our team

John Grace, President/Principal
John began his career as the Assistant Administrator at Wexner Heritage Village - Jewish Home for Aged in Columbus Ohio in 1977. He then went on to become the first Executive Director of Meadowlark Hills, a newly constructed CCRC in Manhattan KS and served in that capacity for 5 years. In 1984, John became the President of the Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, a trade association serving 150 not-for-profit aging service providers in Kansas and served in that role for 20 years. From 1989-1991 John was a Fellow with the W.K. Kellogg National Leadership Program of Battle Creek Michigan participating in leadership development and traveling the world studying programs for children and the aging. John has been engaged in a number of consulting projects over the years including strategic planning, board development, executive search and temporary management. He most recently served as the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging in Washington DC. John is a 1977 graduate of the University of North Texas Center for Aging Studies with a Master's degree in Studies on Aging. Email jgrace@agingri.org or call him at 785.554.5628.

David Slack, Principal
David provides operational, managerial, and developmental consulting services as part of ARI’s advisory services. Prior to joining ARI, David was Senior Vice President at Lancaster Pollard & Co, an investment banking firm specializing in financing senior living and health care organizations, a Principal in the consulting firm of Third Age, Inc., and he has served as the President of Asbury Development and Management, Retirement Management Company and Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. He graduated from the University of Kansas, he is a licensed adult care home administrator, and is a Licensed General Securities Representative. Email dslack@agingri.org or call him at 785.550.4365.

Lydia Pugh, Principal
Lydia is responsible for managing the marketing research and developing new aspects of our research for clients around strategic planning, organizational, and leadership development initiatives. She has worked in the continuing care retirement community field since 1978. She holds an MS in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University. Lydia recently received her Doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University; her dissertation focused on the study of not-for-profit boards. Email lydia@agingri.org or call her at 406.259.2181 or 703.400.1897.

Tony Ewert, Principal
Tony has an outstanding background in project development and ongoing operations and will further strengthen ARI's service to senior service organizations nationwide. Tony began his career as a licensed administrator with Presbyterian Manors of Mid America and served for 9 years with the organization, rising to the position of Director of Operations.  From 1988 to 1996 Tony served as the Vice President of Operations for Retirement Management Company, a Midwest private consulting firm serving clients nationally. In 1996 he joined Praxeis, a development and consulting firm based in Florida as Senior Vice President of Operations. In his role, Tony was involved with the start up and ongoing operations of The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, (392 units) Sarasota, Florida; and Oak Hammock at the University of Florida (377 units), Gainesville, Florida. Total project cost of these two communities was $275 million in 2003 when completed. Annual operating budgets exceed $20 million each. Tony has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration-Wichita State University, and has completed 40 graduate hours at the Center for Studies in Aging, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. Email tewert@agingri.org or call him at 785.393.5464.

Jim Bondurant, Principal
Jim applies his financial talents in the operational, financial and planning analysis of clients needs. Jim previously served as the CFO and CEO of a large skilled nursing facility in Kansas City for 9 years. Jim also worked for Retirement Management Company, a Midwest consulting and management company for retirement communities. Jim has an Adult Care Home Administrator License, a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Kansas and is a Fellow with Life Management Office Association with Distinction, specialization in investments. Email jbondurant@agingri.org or call him at 785.580.6686.

Eric Huebert, Associate
Eric assists in the research, analysis, writing and preparation of reports, documents, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations for clients of the organization. He is Cum Laude graduate of Southwestern College with a degree in Business Administration. Email ehuebert@agingri.org or call him 316.644.4696. hello hello hello hello

Ryan Grace, Associate
Ryan served as the Assistant Administrator and Administrator of St. Joseph Village, a retirement community serving over 130 persons for five years. He received an undergraduate degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a secondary major in Long-Term Care Administration. In 2007 Ryan earned a Master's in Public Administration and Not-for-Profit Management from Kansas State University. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and family of three children. rgrace@agingri.org

Jim Nye, Associate
Jim Nye has a Master’s of Education Degree from the University of Kansas. Jim’s career has been in secondary education in Industrial Arts; construction and computer technology. Jim has also been a small business owner. He has managed a small painting company during the summers and also co-owns and manages several rental properties. Jim enjoys volunteer work including Douglas County Young Life and Lawrence Schools Foundation and spending time with his grown children and friends. jnye@agingri.org