A New Chapter of Leadership at MonteCedro

At MonteCedro, leadership isn’t defined by titles, but by people. The kind of people who listen closely, inspire confidence, and walk into a room ready to work hand-in-hand with residents and team members alike.

That’s why welcoming Adam Peña as our new Executive Director feels less like a shakeup in leadership and more like the start of a new conversation.

A Community Voice in the Process

When it came time to find the next Executive Director, residents were invited to meet candidates, ask thoughtful (and sometimes tough) questions, and share their impressions. The community’s input ensured the process was as much about MonteCedro’s culture as it was about the content of a résumé.

Residents described the Town Hall as more than just an introduction. It felt like shaping the future of their home.

That spirit of shared decision-making is part of what makes MonteCedro unique. Here, leadership isn’t “top-down,” it’s woven through community trust.

Meet Adam Peña

Adam’s journey into senior living wasn’t linear. In college, he studied history and once imagined himself teaching in a classroom. But an early job in a skilled nursing home caused him to shift gears. “I was drawn to the idea of helping seniors and being a resource to family members,” Adam recalls. That sense of purpose never left.

From the Los Angeles Jewish Home to his new role at MonteCedro, Adam has chosen to work within nonprofit communities where care and connection guide every decision. “The fact that ECS is mission-driven and nonprofit was important to me,” he says. “It’s about more than management. It’s about meaning.”

Looking Ahead

This is only the second time in MonteCedro’s history that a new Executive Director has been welcomed. The significance of this milestone isn’t lost on residents, team members, or Adam himself. It’s a reminder that leadership transitions require a continuity of trust; and offer the opportunity to imagine what’s next.

For longtime residents, the process was less like hiring a leader and more like gaining a partner.

Together, Adam and the MonteCedro community are stepping into this next chapter; ready to build on a strong foundation of care, curiosity, and collaboration.

Because at MonteCedro, leaders are a visible part of the community, sharing in the daily lives of residents and team members alike.

About Us

MonteCedro is an exceptional retirement community in Altadena, CA. As part of the ECS family of senior living communities in Southern California, residents of MonteCedro enjoy a luxury lifestyle supported by a broad array of services and amenities, a holistic, proactive approach to health and wellness, customizable accommodations, and an active, vibrant social life. Serving seniors from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. Proudly nonprofit.