Cole Smith
About Cole Smith
Cole Smith serves as the Corporate Director of Dementia Services at Brightview Senior Living, where he shapes strategic plans for dementia care and oversees partnerships with organizations like the Alzheimer's Association. He has extensive experience in behavioral health and dementia care, having held various roles in the healthcare sector since 2005.
Current Role at Brightview Senior Living
Cole Smith serves as the Corporate Director of Dementia Services at Brightview Senior Living since 2020. In this role, he shapes the vision and strategic plans for dementia care across the organization. He coordinates third-party relationships to enhance the services offered to residents. Smith also collaborates with the development team to provide insights for the design and layout of new communities, ensuring they maximize the independence of residents living with dementia.
Previous Experience in Dementia Care
Before joining Brightview Senior Living, Cole Smith held the position of National Director of Memory Care Programs at Discovery Senior Living from 2019 to 2020. Prior to that, he worked at PruittHealth as the Corporate Director of Behavioral Health and Dementia Care Services from 2015 to 2019. His experience in these roles has contributed to his expertise in developing and implementing effective dementia care strategies.
Educational Background in Healthcare
Cole Smith has a solid educational foundation in healthcare. He studied at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from 2012 to 2014. He also holds an Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy from Augusta Technical College, obtained between 2005 and 2007. Additionally, he earned a Master of Arts in Gerontology from the University of Southern California from 2016 to 2018, further enhancing his knowledge in aging and dementia care.
Ongoing Education and Specialization
Currently, Cole Smith is pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at PennWest Edinboro, which he is expected to complete between 2023 and 2025. This ongoing education reflects his commitment to understanding trauma-informed care and its application in dementia services.
Leadership in Fundraising and Advocacy
In his role at Brightview Senior Living, Cole Smith oversees partnerships with the Alzheimer's Association, focusing on fundraising, advocacy, education, and outreach efforts. He leads the initiative for company-wide fundraising for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, engaging 45 communities across eight states in this annual event.