Editor’s note: As part of the 40th anniversary of McKnight’s, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News are recognizing 40 notable newsmakers. Each week, the brands will highlight a new, high-profile leader from the past four decades. Previously published installments of the series are posted here.
Never perform after children or animals, the old show biz adage warns. The equivalent advice for this market might be to avoid replacing visionary leaders. For in both scenarios, there’s usually a tough act to follow.
Brian Jurutka clearly violated the second admonition five years ago, when he succeeded Robert G. Kramer as president and CEO of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care. And although Jurutka had some big shoes to fill, he continues to demonstrate that he is up to the challenge.
NIC cut its teeth as an organization focused on creating accurate and transparent data for investors. To be sure, that lofty goal continues to expand. But as never before, NIC also is providing operators and others with information that can clarify and contextualize marketplace realities.
“Brian’s passion for data and technology, as well as decision-making that’s predicated upon sound information, is a chief driver in his success,” said Chuck Harry, the organization’s chief operating officer.
Jurutka’s approach to leadership — pointing people in the right direction and motivating them to head that way — also clearly has resonated.
“I am proud to be guided by Brian,” said Beth Burnham Mace, NIC’s chief economist and director of outreach. “He has navigated NIC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping us fulfill our mission of creating insightful and timely data and analysis for the industry, while responding to our new reality with the creation of new and exciting virtual connections and educational platforms,” she added.
Even the legend Jurutka replaced seems impressed.
“Brian has emerged as a champion of the importance of transparency achieved through reliable, timely data, not only for the capital markets, but also for policy makers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” noted Kramer.
Guess you could say Jurutka is putting on quite a performance.
