Ascension names Janice Thorpe Chief Nursing Officer of Ascension Living
St. Louis-based Ascension has named Janice Thorpe, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, as the new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Ascension Living, effective June 29, 2026. In this vital role, Thorpe will manage clinical operations and performance across the senior living company’s skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory support communities.
Dr. Thorpe brings over 20 years of progressive healthcare experience. She joins Ascension Living from Genesis Health Care, where she served as senior vice president of value based care and clinical programming across a 10-state multi-site territory. A practicing provider specializing in adult geriatric medicine, Thorpe has a proven track record of bridging clinical excellence with operational strategy to improve patient experiences, elevate outcomes, and manage healthcare costs. Notably, she championed Triple Aim principles, successfully spearheading clinical transformations and transition frameworks from Fee-for-Service to Value-Based Care.
“I am honored to join a senior living organization so rooted in providing health, healing, and hope to all,” said Dr. Thorpe. “ As I step into the role, I am committed to creating an environment where residents, their loved ones, and our staff feel valued and supported, while ensuring we provide evidence-based clinical care that enhances health, well-being, and quality of life.“
Thorpe holds a doctorate in nursing practice and is an adult geriatric primary care APRN from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a bachelor's degree in nursing from McMaster University. Her professional influence extends into national research and industry groups. She serves as a member of the AHA Manuscript Oversight Committee, the AHA Skilled Nursing Certification Oversight Group, and the AHCA Quality Cabinet for Clinical Practice. She is also a recognized author in Health Tech Magazine and a frequent panelist discussing corporate disease-specific programming.
“I am thrilled to welcome Janice,” said Erin Shadbolt, Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Living. “We are fortunate to welcome a clinical leader inspired to serve with compassion and clinical excellence.”
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About us
Ascension Living, based in St. Louis and part of Ascension, is a mission-driven senior living provider deeply connected to our Catholic faith that cares for the physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being of all individuals we serve. Our Mission calls us to provide spiritually centered, holistic care to seniors, particularly those most in need. We offer a wide range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. Regardless of everyone’s stage in life, our goal is to provide seniors with opportunities designed to make their lives joyful, enriching and satisfying. With locations in eight states and the District of Columbia, our ministries are continually developing and adopting new best practices in care that enhance the experiences of our residents, program participants and patients. Learn more at www.ascensionliving.org.