More than a Career
When Charles Rehnborg joined the CCR team 16 years ago, he already knew the organization and the people behind it well.
After decades in the profession, Charles had known CCR leaders Debbie Petrine and David Tucker throughout his career. When the opportunity presented itself to join CCR as Administrator at Riverview on the Appomattox, the decision felt natural.
“CCR was a perfect fit,” Charles said.
Sixteen years later, that fit has become the longest chapter of his 44-year career and an opportunity to help shape an organization whose mission closely reflects his own.
The Core of CCR
Today, Charles serves as Regional Director of Operations. While he says the fundamentals of his work have remained consistent through the years, the way CCR approaches that work has continued to evolve.
During his tenure, Charles has seen CCR add three centers to its management portfolio, place greater emphasis on organizational culture, and bring in national consultants to strengthen how the organization serves both patients and employees. He has also been part of initiatives like Service Excellence that have helped enhance his role and CCR’s approach to care.
“I have developed professionally as the company has transformed itself into a leader in quality care and customer service,” he said.
But through each new initiative and period of growth, Charles says one thing has remained at the center.
“How we treat our patients, their families and each other has always been the core of CCR.”
United Behind the Mission
For Charles, the people behind CCR are what make the commitment to the work possible.
“We are united by a customer-centered culture,” he said. “We share a common mission.”
It’s a mission Charles is reminded of every time he steps into one of CCR’s managed centers. Even after 44 years in the profession, visiting with residents, families and staff continues to reinforce why he chose this work.
“Every time I get the opportunity to visit one of our centers and engage residents, families and staff, I am reminded why I am blessed to have chosen this path.”
Relationships have played an important role in his own career. He describes Debbie Petrine as a lifetime role model and mentor who has influenced him since he entered the profession. 44 years later, Charles now has an opportunity to provide that same kind of guidance to others.
Persevering the CCR Way
Sixteen years with one organization inevitably means experiencing periods of progress and difficulty. When Charles recalls what makes him proudest of his time at CCR, he points to serving on a Senior Management Team that has navigated both. Together, the team has persevered through difficult times, introduced new initiatives and adapted to change. Through it all, Charles says, CCR has “never lost its way.”
That resilience reflects something he hopes will always define the organization: “the passion to never be OK with just being OK.”
It’s a simple philosophy, but one that captures much of what Charles has witnessed throughout his tenure, a willingness to keep learning, improving and raising the standard rather than becoming comfortable with where things are today.
Preparing for the Next 25 Years
As CCR celebrates 25 years, Charles isn’t only reflecting on the 16 years he has contributed to that history. He’s thinking about what will happen long after his own career comes to a close. What excites him most is knowing that the foundation being built today will remain.
“Even after I retire, the foundation of quality care and leadership will remain at CCR,” Charles said. “I have had the privilege of coaching the next generation of CCR leaders.”
After benefiting from mentorship throughout his own career, helping prepare others to lead is a fitting part of Charles’ legacy at CCR. It’s also why the three words he chose to describe his career here carry so much meaning:
“My final mission.”
After 44 years in the profession, Charles sees this chapter as more than another stop in his career. It’s an opportunity to leave the organization prepared to carry its mission forward.
His advice to those just beginning their own careers at CCR reflects that long-term perspective.
“A career is a long-term commitment,” Charles said. “Stick with CCR in good times and bad because the good times far outweigh the bad.”
For 25 years, CCR has been shaped by people who share a deep commitment to caring for residents, supporting their families, and being there for one another. As Charles helps prepare the next generation of leaders, that same commitment will continue to guide CCR and the care it provides for years to come.