Nicole Pretre Named CEO of Cedar Community

The Cedar Community Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Pretre as the new chief executive officer — the fourth in the West Bend, Wis., older adult community’s nearly 70-year history — after the completion of a comprehensive nine-month national search.

Pretre, currently the vice president of development, is in her 10th year of serving Cedar Community in administration, business development, marketing, and philanthropy, and has served on the executive leadership team since 2015. She brings nearly 20 years of healthcare and senior living experience to the CEO role.

“Nicole’s demonstrated strategic leadership skills, strong local and national network, and innovative talents combined with her extensive education and background, as well as her passion for serving the needs of our community under the guidance of our faith-based mission, made her our top candidate,” says Joe Carlson, chairman of Cedar Community’s Board of Directors.

“I am extremely honored for this opportunity to serve our Cedar Community family of residents and team members in the role of Chief Executive Officer,” says Pretre. “I am privileged to work with compassionate and dedicated team members and volunteers, and I believe we have an exciting future ahead for Cedar Community. I look forward to working to advance our mission of providing life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments for our residents and team members.”

Pretre holds a B.A. degree in journalism and communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.S. degree in gerontology and management of aging services from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. She is a Credentialed Professional Gerontologist (CPG) through the National Association of Professional Gerontologists. Within the greater community, Pretre serves on the West Bend (Wis.) Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the United Way of Washington County Board of Directors. She is also a steering committee member of Milwaukee Women inc, and a member of TEMPO Milwaukee.

The board also extends a sincere thank you to retiring CEO Lynn W. Olson. “Lynn has been a strong leader during his tenure, guiding Cedar Community through change, and building a solid foundation for a bright future,” says Carlson. “He has also been tireless in serving the needs and ensuring the safety of our residents. Together with our team members, he has led us through the unprecedented risks that COVID-19 created for our residents. We will be forever grateful for the legacy he will leave and his positive impact on so many residents, team members, and families.”

The leadership transition will be complete by May 14, 2021.