Oak Trace's management team known affectionately and collectively as Dan, Jan, and Bam

It's a formidable trio at the helm of a remarkable operation, renovation and expansion.

Oak Trace executive director Dan Harrington, sales director Jan Hutchinson, and associate executive director Shubam (Bam) Gautam are impressively and uniquely qualified to be heading up a $112 million expansion, on top of overseeing the everyday operations of the Downers Grove senior living community. Dan is a resident of Arlington Heights, Jan lives in Orland Park, and Bam is a resident of Willow Springs.

Oak Trace is a nonprofit Life Care community offering beautiful independent living apartments, with access to assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled care on its 40-acre campus. Its expansion project, slated for completion in 2024, will result in 140 new independent living apartments, a state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic center, multiple dining venues, a spa, a performing arts center, and more.

The management team is known affectionately and collectively as "Dan, Jan, and Bam."

They are all new to the organization but not to the senior living industry, in which they have more than 45 years of combined experience.

Furthermore, their unique talents and backgrounds not only complement Oak Trace's needs but also cover all potential bases. Dan and Jan, who have previously worked together, both have extensive experience in marketing and operations for senior living. Bam, who was born in India, was a medical doctor there. When he came to the U.S. in 2007, he first conducted dementia research at SIU before moving to the Chicago area. Here, he worked as a practice manager for a geriatrician and then successfully became a licensed nursing home administrator.

Dan joined Oak Trace as the sales director in late 2021. When the executive director was promoted late last year, Dan stepped into that role.

In July 2022, Jan, whose last role had been for almost 20 years as an executive director at an area retirement community, took what was a temporary retirement. When Dan reached out to her six months later, she was intrigued. "I looked at the expansion and thought, 'Oh man, this is so cool. I already knew I was going to do it. The expansion is amazing. I loved its professionalism, design, and the thought process. I had been here in the early 2000s. I was able to see the community then and see it now. I can't wait to see what it becomes. The stars are just perfectly aligned … and to be reunited with Dan is perfect."

Bam had been working at an area nursing home when he became interested by the concept of Life Plan communities, which offer all levels of care should one's health needs change. When he learned that Oak Trace was looking to introduce the position of associate executive director, he applied. "I interviewed with Dan. He gave me a sense of energy and support. Everyone was very welcoming."

The associate executive director role was mainly created to help with the many responsibilities resulting from the changes at the community. "The expansion is what originally brought me here. It's very exciting and it takes a lot of work and attention," said Dan. "Bam's adding value immediately to everything we have going on. The well-rounded backgrounds of the team ensure the project rolls out smoothly."

The management team in senior living is integral to the confidence of the residents and their loved ones. "People want to know who is in charge and what their tenure is. It's like wanting to know who is piloting a plane," Jan said, adding that passion, empathy and accessibility are essential. The team at Oak Trace clearly beats all expectations. "The point of moving to senior living for the adult children is peace of mind."

Bam added, "The family wants to know that the managers have knowledge and passion, and the adult child wants to know that they have access to them. We provide that all."

"There are more than 300 team members here. We've got this. All the pieces are in play in all levels of care, with communication and experienced leadership to oversee it all," said Dan. "The team has the level of professionalism, passion for serving, and the heart and mind to ensure that Oak Trace is the best retirement community. What's happening here, has not been seen anywhere."

Oak Trace Senior Living

Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove is set on more than 40 acres of landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. Oak Trace has private independent living apartments, as well as assisted living, memory care, skilled care and rehabilitation. The Life Care Community offers guaranteed lifelong care with predictable costs. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.