October 13, 2026
This year, we congratulated Kim Dunn on her well-earned retirement and thanked her for her countless contributions to the Kendal System after 45 years of passion and dedication.
When Kim first walked into Kendal in 1981, she was looking for a part-time job. Instead, she was hired as a full-time server in the dining room and quickly discovered how meaningful it was to build relationships with older adults.
That first role marked the beginning of a career spanning over four decades with Kendal that would take her across departments, communities and responsibilities.
Over the years, Kim worked in Affiliate dining, resident services, health care administration, human resources and executive support before eventually becoming Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement at TKC.
Each new role gave her a broader understanding of Kendal, from operations and long-range planning to sales, marketing and employee development. She also supported the openings of new communities, including Kendal at Granville and Kendal on Hudson. She even earned her degree in human resource management from Wilmington University while working at Kendal.
What Kim will carry with her most from her time at Kendal are the people and support she experienced throughout her 45 years. She credits the mentors and peers who saw her potential, invested in her growth and gave her opportunities to take on new challenges.
Support extended beyond her own career. Both of Kim’s daughters spent time at Kendal daycares as children – experiences that helped inspire one to become a doctor of physical therapy and the other a teacher.
“With Kendal, it has always gone beyond the campus and the walls of the community,” Kim said.
Reflecting on her career, Kim shared that she hopes colleagues will remember her for the dedication, care and commitment to upholding Kendal Values that she brought to her work. “We’re in the business of caring for people,” she said. “It’s not always what you do, but how you do it.”
Kim retired Aug. 14 after 45 years with Kendal. As she begins her next chapter, she looks forward to getting married, visiting national parks and spending time on what comes next.
Her advice to those beginning their own careers is simple: explore the possibilities.
“I would encourage others to intentionally explore senior living as a career option if you are seeking purposeful and fulfilling work,” she said. “There are numerous career options in addition to direct care roles. Whether you wish to come grow with us and take advantage of the continuous learning and career ladders, or you are experienced in IT, horticulture, marketing or culinary. There are so many facets and possibilities.”
Senior living offers far more career paths than many people realize, and, as Kim’s journey shows, one opportunity can lead to a lifetime of growth.
To learn more about careers with Kendal, visit https://www.kendal.org/careers/