Dana O’Donnell, as the new Executive Director of the Artman community, is experiencing a homecoming. Her long history with Liberty Lutheran Services, the parent organization to Artman, dates back to 2001, when she became Director of Nursing at Artman, after she applied for what she thought would be a part-time nursing position.

In 2008, she joined Liberty at Home, Home Care and Home Health Services, and was promoted to lead this program in 2009. When her leadership skills were needed at The Hearth at Drexel Assisted Living and Memory Care community in 2018, she transitioned into the role of Executive Director where she served until “returning home” to Artman in April 2022.

Excited to tackle new responsibilities, Dana says, “I loved being at The Hearth at Drexel, which is a smaller community than Artman, and it is fulfilling now to be able to contribute to this community utilizing my significant experience and certifications to help a larger number of residents.”

It is the supportive, caring concern for residents and team members, and great teamwork, no matter what happens, that distinguishes this community from other organizations.

Dana O’Donnell, Executive Director at Artman

Dana especially enjoys working with team members and residents to maintain and develop the culture of a caring community that characterizes the Liberty Lutheran family of services. “I began my nursing career in a for-profit environment before finding Liberty. Working here in this not-for-profit close-knit environment and caring culture is very different and much more rewarding.”

One of the aspects of being back at Artman that Dana enjoys is having the opportunity to again work with team members with whom she worked earlier in her career, who are still providing outstanding services at Artman.

She elaborates on what makes Artman so special. “It is the supportive, caring concern for residents and team members, and great teamwork, no matter what happens, that distinguishes this community from other organizations. During COVID, for example, it was a case of all hands on deck; everyone stepped up and did whatever was required to keep Artman safe and secure.”

When asked if she has a personal motto she would like to share, she responds, “Be kind.” Expanding that thought she adds, “No one knows what someone is going through on a personal level, at home, or with family, on any given day, so it is important to always be kind and to treat others with respect.”

With a look of contentment, she smiles and says, “I’m hoping to end my career with Artman and the Liberty Lutheran family of services, because I love this family.”

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