New Laguna Woods Village CEO talks goals, vision, challenges – Orange County Register

The Laguna Woods Village Management Services board recently appointed Siobhan Foster as CEO/general manager of VMS to succeed Jeff Parker on February 4, after she received a majority vote from the councils. GRF, Third Reich and United concur.

Foster served as CEO of VMS for nearly four years. She came to Laguna Woods Village after a long time working in city and city management.

“What interests me most about the Village is that while it is essentially its own city, it is a very unique community of over 18,500 or more residents, the majority of whom are enjoying their years. retirement,” said Foster. “The Village offers exceptional amenities in a vibrant semi-waterfront location. I knew from my first visit that it was a very special place. ”

We asked Foster about her goals in the new position, the challenges she faces at the Village, and her vision to “provide outstanding customer service and control costs.”

This interview has been edited at length.

Q. What is your focus as the CEO/General Manager of Village Management Services?

A. Our focus is clear and simple: Providing quality services to the residents of Laguna Woods Village while keeping costs under control.

* VMS’ exceptional senior management will lead by example and focus the team’s efforts on our simple yet profound guiding force – our commitment to excellence and dedication to service.

* VMS will strive every day to inspire the organization and the Village community with a positive, service- and results-oriented approach.

* VMS’ revised organizational structure reinforces our innovative vision of service and shares our shared successes in enhancing the Village experience for all residents.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge?

A. A lot has changed in the past 24 months. We are all facing uncertain times, and things that affect our nation, state, and county all have a direct effect on the Village here.

* The pandemic has been around for much longer than anyone anticipated, and our residents are a high-risk population. Inflation at the end of 2021 is 6.8%, compared with 1.4% in 2020.

* The new state organic recycling law and market correction have increased garbage fees by more than 30% for 2022 and will continue to increase over the next few years.

* Insurance costs have skyrocketed due to unprecedented wildfires in California and global natural disasters.

* California faces a severe water shortage that has resulted in rising water prices.

* Recruiting and retaining a highly skilled workforce is harder than it’s been in decades.

I will focus on providing excellent service and saving costs and will work hard with all boards to ensure we continue to work.

Q. Among the top concerns is COVID-19. How would you address this concern? Did you enjoy the vaccination/masking mission in the Village?

A. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the direction of the board of directors was that the Village followed the recommendations of the OC Health Care Agency, the California Department of Public Health, and the State of California. At the moment, the mask requirement is expected to be in effect until at least February 15.

We have seen a significant increase in incidents between employees and residents over the past few weeks, leading to the decision by the GRF, Third and United boards to return to virtual meetings for the time being.

The virus and its related topics have divided political parties, family, friends and neighbours. However, our job, as directed by the council, is to follow the officially recommended guidelines for the health and safety of all our residents and staff and do what’s good. best for the community.

Q. Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about degraded landscaping, nighttime-focused street maintenance, and subsequent security concerns. How would you address these concerns?

A. There is a good balance between keeping HOA fees as low as possible and maintaining legacy infrastructure. Many factors are at play here.

For example, consider that a mutualistic board must face the fact that the cost increase I considered earlier. These are all external and uncontrollable expenses. If a board decides not to ramp up its assessment to take these factors into account, there are several options, none of which are good for the community:

* Cut service levels: Reduce pruning, pruning and fertilizing schedules, reduce paving maintenance.

* Flooding of reserves: Undermining the long-term health of both parties and reducing available assets in the event of a disaster or emergency.

* Capital improvement budget cuts: Street maintenance, electrical and plumbing maintenance, lighting, etc.

Over a 55-year period, too many years of cutting will take its toll. I recommend that residents learn about the committee structure in the GRF and their general organization, and provide feedback that the board can consider when making important financial decisions.

Q. How will you address the need for increased security?

A. Laguna Woods Village has a 24/7 security patrol and coordination center. The leaders of the Department of Security have served as distinguished members of the local sheriff, police department, and BART before joining VMS.

Our extensive video surveillance system at the gates and throughout the community is unique for such a large private community.

In addition, we have an excellent working relationship with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and fire departments, both of which provide exceptional service on a 24/7 basis.

Q. Residents with reduced physical capabilities have also raised concerns that the Village is increasingly targeting active seniors.

A. This is a complicated topic as the Village was established and continues to be an active elderly community based on a cost-sharing model.

At the same time, I understand the Village is home to many people who have lived here during an important period and wish to grow old. Our Social Services department is an invaluable asset to residents facing the challenges of aging. Furthermore, Towers is a great choice for residents of Third and United, who may find that they prefer extended offerings.

Q. Regarding the increasing use of electric vehicles: There was concern that the Village was not prepared for them to have charging stations. How would you address these concerns?

A. As a daily electric vehicle owner and user, I understand this concern. The village will close on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; When the Village’s infrastructure was first built, developers hardly envisioned a move towards electric vehicles by 2022. Many residents and board members understood the importance of it. of addressing this important and expanding trend.

One of the biggest challenges is the electrical infrastructure throughout the Village.

As the electric vehicle charging stations at the Community Center are in constant use, I look forward to having more installed as the boards work to meet demand in the Village.

Q. On the other hand, can older/younger residents rest assured that our bus service is still up and running?

A. One of the main services the Village provided at its inception was bus transportation for residents. Of course, as trends and demographics change, so do residents’ riding patterns.

Chris Laugenour, who recently left VMS, did a special job overseeing driver research and streamlining bus routes for both convenience and cost savings. GRF is currently in discussions with Age Well Senior Services, which is tasked with providing senior citizen shuttle service, responsible for Village bus service, without changing service levels.

I encourage all residents to watch the recording of the informational meeting held on January 21. The recording can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzQtpq9Wsfw.

Q. Would you consider a usage incentive fee for individual/group usage rather than setting a common association fee for all residents?

A. Making major changes to the general cost principles under which the Village is founded and operated would require changes not only to the Village’s financial foundation, but also CC&R and rules operations of GRF, Third and United. It will also affect the GRF Trust. Changing any of these is a difficult and expensive undertaking.

The GRF Community Action Committee continually reviews fees charged for additional use of facilities and other amenities. It depends on directives established by assemblies. It is important to remember that the role of the VMS is to guide and implement board-approved and board-approved programs.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

A. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Forest College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas.

I went to California for an internship at the City of Riverside, where I became the director of Public Works before joining the City of Pasadena as Public Works director and later the City of Covina as the director of Public Works. Public Program.

While at Covina, I led the design and construction of a $9.2 million luxury and community center that enhances the quality of life and services provided to the city’s 55+ residents. This has given me a lot of experience in understanding the needs of Laguna Woods Village residents.

I joined the Village Management Service as executive director in mid-2018. During my nearly four-year tenure, I learned about the inner workings of this complex community and became acquainted with the community. its wonderful residents and volunteers and look forward to bringing my experience to this new role.

Q. Is there anything else about Siobhan Foster that you would like residents to know?

A. I am delighted and excited to take on this new role and work closely with our management team.

Personally, I’m a devoted dog lover, own great dachshunds, and I’m an avid football and baseball fan.