Leadership Team

Grant Linacre has served as Executive Director of Emerald Heights since October 2015, providing strategic leadership and oversight of daily operations for the community. He brings extensive experience from a national senior living organization and a strong commitment to advancing excellence in aging services.

Grant holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Washington. He is actively engaged in statewide leadership, serving as Immediate Past Chair of LeadingAge Washington, where he also chairs the Governance Committee and serves on the Finance and Audit Committee and CCRC Cabinet. In addition, Grant is a frequent speaker at state and national conferences on senior living and leadership topics.

Outside of his professional role, Grant enjoys home improvement projects and making his young son and daughter smile. 

Amy Biemeck is the Director of Human Resources for Emerald Heights. With a strong background in Social Work and HR leadership and a passion for championing workplace culture, Amy oversees all aspects of human resources, including employee engagement, organizational development, compliance, and strategic workforce planning.

Amy joined Emerald Heights in June of 2024, after 12 years working in Social Work, specifically in foster care. Throughout her career, Amy has been known for building trusted relationships, strengthening team performance, and creating HR initiatives that support both operational excellence and staff well-being. She is committed to cultivating a supportive, inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to provide exceptional care to our residents.

Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. She is a member of SHRM and remains deeply committed to cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to deliver exceptional service to residents.

Amy has lived abroad in Germany and Kenya and loves to travel and experience new cultures. Amy now lives in Redmond and has 4 grown children and 1 granddaughter.

Cindy Leung is the Director of Sales and Marketing with over 25 years of experience, including the last eight years dedicated to senior living. A graduate of California State University, Hayward, Cindy holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. With a strong background in strategic outreach and relationship-building, Cindy is committed to helping individuals and families make informed, confident decisions about their future.  Outside of work, Cindy serves on the Board of The TBCK Foundation, she also enjoys spending time with her family outdoors and trying new restaurants.

Grounded in the systematic, person-centered framework of Applied Behavior Analysis, Nicole McCarthy is a results-driven and compassionate leader. She currently directs the Resident Services department, guiding the strategic vision for resident engagement, overseeing operational teams, and developing innovative programs to enhance resident well-being and autonomy. Her background includes substantially scaling Home Care operations and establishing robust Quality Assurance systems in Supported Living, demonstrating a 20+ year career dedicated to positive outcomes and regulatory excellence.

Kevin brings more than 20 years of operations and facilities leadership experience, known for strengthening processes, supporting teams, and keeping community operations running seamlessly.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their three children—Dylan, Drew, and Kennedy—whose sports schedules and creativity keep the family active. He’s also an avid builder and problem-solver, often found in his home workshop working on projects big and small.

Russell joined the Emerald Heights team in February 2025 as the Food & Beverage General Manager, overseeing all dining outlets on campus. With almost 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry—from large corporate establishments to fine dining—Russell brings a wealth of expertise and passion for exceptional service. Outside of work, he enjoys creating dishes for his food blog, hosting dinner parties, and connecting with others through social gatherings and events with his friends and family.

Jill Jones comes to Emerald Heights with over 20 years of experience across acute and post-acute care settings. Most recently a Regional Director with Providence Health & Services, Jill is a leader of clinical operations, facility management, quality, and regulatory compliance. She has implemented high quality, cost-effective care processes utilizing data-driven approaches.

Natalie brings over eight years of experience in healthcare and facilities operations, including her most recent role as Environmental Services Supervisor at our sister community, Heron’s Key. During her tenure, she led with excellence—earning zero-deficiency state surveys, strong resident satisfaction, and a reputation for high standards in infection control and compliance.

Natalie has also served in Security and Concierge roles, giving her a broad understanding of community operations and resident needs. She is known for her initiative, teamwork, and commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.

Kaitlynd Hewitt brings over five years of experience supporting executive teams and building strong lines of communication throughout communities. She excels in managing operations, coordinating strategic initiatives, and driving greater productivity. Passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kaitlynd ensures that all residents and team members feel valued and supported. A graduate of LeadingAge Washington’s Leadership Academy, Kaitlynd leads with a service-oriented approach grounded in collaboration and accountability. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Riverside, and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Washington. Committed to continuous learning, she enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and exploring new artistic pursuits in her free time.

Coming soon!