People of vision. People of spirit. People who guide our organization and make a difference in the lives of our VLH family. Meet our leaders.
Heather L. Neff, MHA – President & CEOVirginia Lutheran Homes, Inc.
Ms. Neff has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Juniata College and a Master of Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University. With more than 15 years of experience in the field of senior health care, Ms. Neff is a dynamic, mission-driven leader with a focus on person-centered care and organizational sustainability. Most recently she served as CEO of Waveny Care Network, which operates a portfolio of residence complexes, health clinics and related services in New Canaan, Connecticut.
W. Andrew Dickinson, Jr. - Executive Director
Brandon Oaks
W. Andrew Dickinson, Jr. has served as Executive Director of Brandon Oaks since 2002. A Roanoke native, Mr. Dickinson returned to the area after serving as Executive Director of assisted living and continuing care properties in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Before that, he was General Manager and CEO of the 300-bed Blue Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Martinsville, Virginia.
From 1978 to 1996, Mr. Dickinson was affiliated with Carilion Health System and from 1993 to 1996 served as Corporate Senior Vice President/Regional Administrator of that organization. He was Senior Vice President of Roanoke Memorial Hospital from 1984 to 1993 and Administrator of the Roanoke Memorial Rehabilitation and Cancer Centers from 1978 to 1984.
Mr. Dickinson received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Virginia and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Georgia State University. He holds licenses as a nursing home administrator in North Carolina and Virginia. Mr. Dickinson is an active member of the Roanoke Kiwanis Club and serves on the board of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. He was recently appointed a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Mary L. Parks - Executive Director
Luther Manor
Mary L. Parks joined Luther Manor in December 2004, bringing more than 17 years of multifamily and conventional housing management experience to her position. Before coming to Luther Manor, Mrs. Parks served as Housing Manager of Riverlands Apartments, a 404-unit conventional housing community in Newport News, Virginia. She has also served many other tax credit/multifamily housing complexes in the Hampton Roads area.
Mrs. Parks received her Assisted Housing Manager certification from Quadel Consulting. She lives in Chesapeake area with her husband, Terrence, and a daughter, Danielle.
Joseph Hoff - Administrator
The Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Joseph Hoff joined the BONRC in Dec. 2003, and brings more than 13 years of healthcare management experience to the position.
Prior to joining BONRC, Hoff served as administrator of The Brian Center, a 60-bed skilled nursing facility in Fincastle, Va. He has also served at Richfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Salem, Va. and the Veterans Administration Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
Hoff received a bachelors of science degree from East Tennessee State.
