About Vetus Foundation

Mitch Friedman, Founder/Director

Mitchell is the founder and chair of Vetus Foundation and has been involved managing and operating skilled nursing facilities since 1979. A prior licensed nursing home administrator, Regional Director, President, and CEO of several regional nursing home chains in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Florida. Mitchell’s expertise includes managing therapy operations, and the challenges associated with small rural nursing homes and assisted living operations. Mitchell is devoted to the mission of providing high-quality care for residents and has surrounded himself with a team of professionals who share his commitment to excellence.

Michaela Walker, MBA, MSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer-Vetus Foundation

Michaela Walker serves as the Chief Nursing Officer, bringing over 25 years of progressive nursing leadership experience and more than a decade of expertise in long-term and skilled care. In her executive role, Michaela oversees nursing operations across multiple skilled nursing facilities, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and person-centered care at every site. With dual master's degrees in nursing science and business management, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University New Orleans— Michaela blends clinical expertise with operational insight.

Jonathan Marks, Assistant Director of Operations

Jonathan is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator who has spent the majority of his career involved with skilled nursing facilities located in rural areas. He has experience working with non-traditional nursing homes, including Bent County Healthcare Center. In Jonathan’s current role as Assistant Director of Operations, he oversees the operations for seven long-term care facilities. Jonathan strives to use his time and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.

Joleen Sheffield, Director of Accounting

With over 20 years of experience in the skilled nursing industry and a strong foundation in corporate accounting, Joleen brings deep operational and financial expertise to the team. In addition to their hands-on industry knowledge, Joleen holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, equipping them with a strategic perspective and analytical skill set critical to navigating today’s complex healthcare landscape. Throughout their career, Joleen has combined financial acumen with a passion for quality care, supporting both fiscal health and operational excellence across a range of healthcare organizations.

Emily Conway, Paralegal

Emily is a certified paralegal with a strong background in family law and legal support services. In her current role, she works closely with General Counsel to oversee compliance and regulatory matters, ensuring the organization meets all applicable legal and operational standards. Her work plays a key role in supporting the safety, rights, and well-being of the residents we serve.

Jonathan Friedman, Chief Talent Officer

Jonathan has grown up in the industry, spending his childhood at ALF's and SNF's. Jonathan started his career as an AIT and steadily worked positions throughout the industry. His social skills and deep knowledge of the industry afford him an edge when it comes to talent acquisition, as he knows the intricate details of all the industries’ many positions.

Kevin Conner, General Counsel

Kevin serves as General Counsel for the company, helping protect the various Facility’s interests and overseeing compliance and regulatory matters. He is a licensed Florida Attorney and holds a master’s degree in business administration with a specialty in Management. Kevin is committed to ensuring the facilities are compliant with licensing requirements and government regulations, building policies and procedures for the facilities, and working to promote the health, safety, and welfare of each resident.