BALTIMORE, Jan. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Senior Helpers®, one of the nation's largest in-home senior care franchised businesses, announced today that long-time franchise industry veteran and current Chief Operating Officer Craig Leonard has been elevated to the role of President of Senior Helpers by SH Franchising, LLC. Leonard succeeds founder and original President Tony Bonacuse, who founded Senior Helpers in 2001 with business partner Peter Ross.
"It's a great privilege for me to step up into the role of President of Senior Helpers," said Leonard. "We are all thankful to Tony for his vision and are excited as he steps into a board role with the company. We are equally excited about the future of Senior Helpers."
Leonard went on to comment that Senior Helpers' recent agreement with Emmy® Award-winning broadcaster and current The Celebrity Apprentice star Leeza Gibbons as both national spokesperson and as a franchise operator has the industry and the Senior Helpers franchise system buzzing. "Leeza is well known in the senior care world as a passionate advocate for both families and those working to care for aging loved ones who may be suffering from age or memory-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer's," said Leonard. "Her passion and celebrity will help propel this important cause forward, and expand the reach of our business owners who provide important care services in their local communities. This is a great time for our business operators and those investigating the purchase of their own franchise."
Leeza Gibbons joined Senior Helpers in 2014 due in part to their heavy focus on Alzheimer's and dementia care. "I experienced the challenge of caring for a loved one when my mother and grandmother both lived with and ultimately died from Alzheimer's," said Gibbons. "I knew then that families need help knowing what their loved ones can do to enjoy the balance of their lives, not what they cannot do. This is why I trust Senior Helpers. Their process for training and helping caregivers provide the right kind of care impressed me from the beginning."
Leonard's term as president begins in 2015. Leonard has been a long-time force in the franchising industry, having worked for and grown some of the world's largest franchising brands, including McDonald's and Century 21 Real Estate. Leonard lives in Towson, MD near Senior Helpers' corporate headquarters.
About Senior Helpers:
Senior Helpers is one of the largest in-home senior care companies in the U.S. with over 250 franchised businesses operating across the country. Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers has now cared for tens of thousands of seniors with a pledge to provide "care and comfort at a moment's notice." Senior Helpers offers a wide range of personal care and companion services, including trained Alzheimer's and dementia care services, to assist seniors who wish to live independently. Learn more by visiting www.SeniorHelpers.com.
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