Talking Shop with Lynn Spriggs, CEO/administrator of The Chateau Girardeau

Lynn Spriggs' first experience with Chateau Girardeau was visiting her grandfather when he lived there.

Today, after working in several different capacities, she serves at CEO/administrator of the retirement community in Cape Girardeau.

Question: How has your career evolved to get you to where you are today?

Answer: After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with bachelor of science in business administration-accounting degree, I worked for a locally owned business diversified in apartment rentals, restaurant management and residential construction. Following this, I began my career at The Chateau in 2001. My grandfather lived at The Chateau, so as a family member, I knew through my personal experience the value of this retirement community. I have held the positions of controller, health care administrator and my current position as CEO/administrator. I earned my federal and State of Missouri Nursing Home Administrator license in 2002.

Q: How has The Chateau grown and changed over the years?

A: The continuum of care model that began with The Chateau 32 years ago with the vision of the First Presbyterian Church remains the same. The way we deliver our care through our services and programs have changed. Throughout these years, we have renovated our Independent Living building which includes apartment suites, added Estate Homes, added some additional assisted living and currently expanding and renovating our Health Care Center to meet the needs of our rehab therapy to home residents and adding more private rooms. These building expansions and renovations are the most obvious growth and changes. Just as important, we are adapting and transforming our programs and services we offer to meet the needs of our residents and staff today and for our fastest-growing senior demographics.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?

A: Managing communication as we are a 24/7 operation is an ongoing challenge. The rapid rate of change we are experiencing in our industry specifically related to health care regulations and technology is a growing challenge as we progress forward.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A: We use a team approach in our decision and planning process, and I enjoy watching the outcomes of success related to our team approach.

Personally, I enjoy the rewards, blessings, and spiritual growth I experience from my interactions with our residents, staff and family members.

Q: You recently received certification to become a surveyor for the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission. Explain your role with this organization.

A: The Chateau is one of four Continuing Care Accreditation Commission accredited organizations in Missouri. There are 700-plus standards that must be met related to this accreditation. We are required to submit annual reports and have on-site visits with a CCAC surveyor team every five years.

These surveyor teams are professionals employed in CCAC-Aging services organizations. I recently achieved certification for both an administrative and financial surveyor after being invited to complete an application, interviewing, testing and training at the CCAC training site in Washington D.C.

I will participate on the Surveyor team that will go on-site, three per year, to review other CCAC-Aging Services organizations as they are assigned to me. I am currently one of two certified surveyors in Missouri.

This benefits The Chateau by receiving National exposure and gives me the opportunity to experience best practices in other organizations similar to The Chateau.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

A: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends when I am not at work. My 21-year-old daughter will graduate from Southeast Missouri State University in December, so I am appreciative and grateful for the time I get to share with her.