Prime Independent Living is guided by a leadership team with deep experience in senior living, hospitality, and operations. Together, they provide the vision, strategy, and support that help our communities deliver exceptional experiences for residents every day. With a shared commitment to quality, service, and thoughtful growth, the Prime leadership team works behind the scenes to ensure each community operates with excellence and reflects the values that define the Prime experience.
Ranked the #1 Homebuilder Analyst by Bloomberg in 2014, Joel has spent more than a decade building his name both on Wall Street and as a Senior Housing Analyst at FBN Securities. Since 2014, he has dedicated his time to creating an independent living model that is affordable for the middle class while still yielding the best ROI for investors.
Debra contributes more than 25 years of independent living, assisted living, and memory care experience to our team. From new construction to sales and consulting, she has worked with senior living communities in 16 states, including Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Her work on new construction projects brings innovation and forward-thinking concepts to the Prime Independent Living brand.
Brett Massey has over 25 years in construction management and coordination for schools, hospitals, restaurants, and multifamily developments, delivering projects both on time and on budget. Since 2009, Brett has served as housing consultant and development coordinator on 13 senior housing communities in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Kaleigh Petree brings more than a decade of experience in senior living sales, marketing, and operations to the Prime Independent Living team. Beginning her journey as an activities volunteer, she has grown through a variety of leadership roles across the industry, developing a strong understanding of both the operational and hospitality sides of senior living.
Known for her integrity-driven leadership style, Kaleigh is passionate about building strong team cultures, elevating the resident experience, and creating meaningful connections through thoughtful branding and hospitality. Her approach is rooted in consistency, authenticity, and leading with heart — values that continue to shape both her personal and professional life.
Chef Rory Watts II brings a fresh, hospitality-driven approach to dining at Prime Independent Living. A graduate of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, Rory has trained under renowned chefs and led kitchens at respected restaurants across the Southeast, including Waterscapes at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Cork & Flame, and Hootch & Banter.
Passionate about scratch-made cuisine and creating meaningful experiences through food, Rory believes great dining is about more than what’s on the plate — it’s about bringing people together, creating connection, and making everyday moments feel special.
Alice Roberts brings more than two decades of leadership experience across senior living, hospitality, marketing, business development, and community engagement to Prime Independent Living.
Alice is a people-first leader known for creating warm, welcoming environments where residents feel valued, comfortable, and connected. She has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, enhancing the resident experience, and leading communities with both heart and strategic vision. Her background in senior living leadership includes driving occupancy growth, strengthening brand presence, and fostering meaningful local partnerships.
With experience in executive marketing leadership, budget oversight, sales strategy, event planning, and team collaboration, Alice offers a well-rounded approach to community leadership. Her hospitality foundation keeps her focused on the details that matter most—from genuine service and engaging lifestyle experiences to creating a true sense of home for every resident.
Alice holds a Master of Business Administration from Winthrop University and a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Administration from the University of South Carolina. She is passionate about supporting independence, empowering older adults, and creating an elevated lifestyle where residents can thrive each day.
Maureen Chippas brings more than three decades of senior living leadership experience to Prime Independent Living, with a career rooted in exceptional service, compassionate leadership, and creating welcoming environments where older adults can truly thrive. A licensed nursing home administrator from 1994 to 2020, Maureen has led skilled nursing, memory care, and assisted living communities throughout her career. She also successfully opened an assisted living and memory care community in 2003, where she remained in leadership until 2020.
After relocating to Knoxville with her family in 2020, Maureen spent several years caring for her mother-in-law who was living with dementia. That personal experience further deepened her empathy and reinforced the importance of thoughtful, personalized care and meaningful hospitality.
Upon Maureen’s first visit to Prime, she immediately felt connected to the warmth of the community and the spirit of its residents. She considers it a privilege to serve seniors each day and is passionate about creating an elevated, hospitality-driven lifestyle where residents feel known, valued, comfortable, and truly at home.
