Cheryl Harding, PhD, has been selected to replace Susan Farris as President and CEO at the James L West Alzheimer Center, board chairman James Korth announced. Farris is retiring Feb. 22. Harding’s first day is Feb. 26.

“After an extensive and exhaustive search, the center's five-person Executive Search Committee unanimously selected Dr. Harding,” Korth said. “Her compassionate nature and her diverse and extensive background in gerontology are going to be a tremendous fit for the residents and staff of the Center, as well as the North Texas Community.

“While Susan heads into her well-earned retirement, her vision and steadfast dedication to the Center over the past 14 years will be missed. We know her shoes are large ones to fill, but we are thrilled Cheryl will take the baton in stride.”

James L. West is the pre-eminent center in North Texas for enhancing the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease and supporting the healthcare professionals and loved ones who treat and care for them. Care at the Center includes residential services, adult day program and respite care, all “to enjoy a life of activity and meaning throughout their journey.”

It also provides classes and training for the entire care-giving community, participates in carefully selected research projects and offers education programs to the community.

Most recently, Harding was the Vice President and Senior Executive Director of the Wesley Court Retirement Community in Abilene, TX. Before that, she had various executive responsibilities within the Sears Methodist Retirement System.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead this organization and look forward to building on the greatness of James L. West as I work with the Board to carry out our mission,” Harding said. “I am committed to bringing quality care and services to older adults in every stage of their lives, especially those who suffer and care for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.”

Harding is no stranger to this area. She was Director of Long-term Care Development for IntegraCare Holdings in Grapevine, TX. She also earned her PhD in Family Studies (Gerontology) from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX. She graduated from University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s in Education. She was awarded her Licensed Nursing Home Administrator certificate by Texas in 2003 and selected as Administrator of the Year in 2007 by LeadingAge Texas.

Harding and her husband, Glen, have two teen-aged sons and four grown children, two that live in the north Dallas area.

Farris joined James L. West in January 2004 and for 14 years oversaw the successes of compassionate care, caregiver and community training and education growth. She is only the second President and Executive Director in the Center’s 25-year history.

Highlights of her tenure include the launch of the center’s highly-regarded Community Education and Outreach department, expansion of formalized medical professional training and direction of the Center’s transformative $12.5-million reconstruction project, from vision through completion.

“The James L West Center is one of Fort Worth’s finest healthcare assets and it has been a joy to lead this special group of professionals.” Farris said. “I am thrilled that Dr. Harding will be my successor. She’s the perfect choice.”

Farris served on the national Board of Directors of the American College of Healthcare Administrators, and as Texas chapter chairman. She received ACHCA’s national award for Distinguished Service in 2016. She was a member of the board of directors of the Texas Health Care Association for 11 years and has been active in Leading Age Texas public policy committee. In 2017 she received Leading Age Texas’ Excellence in Advocacy Award for her years of leadership in bringing awareness of elder care issues to the Texas legislature. In 2017, the Fort Worth Business Press recognized her as an Outstanding Mentor.

Thirty years ago, on Feb. 22, Farris became a licensed nursing facility administrator. Coincidentally, her final day at James L. West is Feb. 22. Farris, who resides in Springtown, TX., will get good use of what she has learned at James L. West as she will be enjoying a bit of her retirement time with her parents in Beaumont, TX.

“After 30 years of caring for other people’s parents, it is time for me to care for my own,” she said. “And I don’t want to miss this time with them — they are 94 years old!”