A Taste of What Is Next: Heron’s Key Expansion Wednesday September 24th

Leadership Team

Meet the Team Behind the Emerald Heights Experience

At Emerald Heights, our experienced management team is dedicated to providing exceptional senior living in Redmond, WA. Through their leadership and commitment to service, they create a vibrant, caring community where residents truly thrive. Meet the Emerald Heights Management Team: the people who make our community such a special place to live and work.

Grant Linacre

Executive Director

Amy Biemeck

Director of Human Resources

Cindy Leung

Director of Marketing

Nicole McCarthy

Director of Resident Services

Kevin Baker

Director of Facilities

Russell Blueye

Food & Beverage General Manager

Jill Jones

Health Care Administrator

Natalie Swezey-Hall

Environmental Services Director

With support from our Emerald Communities leadership

The Emerald Communities leadership team provides strategic guidance and support to Emerald Heights, helping drive growth, innovation, and mission-focused excellence. Their expertise in operations, finance, and marketing strengthens our onsite team and ensures we continue delivering an exceptional resident experience.

Who we are

A community designed for seniors to thrive

Emerald Heights is a vibrant Life Plan Community in Redmond where residents enjoy connection, purpose, and peace of mind. Guided by our core values, we offer exceptional independent living and a full continuum of on-campus care, creating a welcoming place to live with confidence at every stage of life.

Grant Linacre
Emerald Height's Executive Director

Grant Linacre has served as Executive Director of Emerald Heights since October 2015, overseeing daily operations and community leadership. He brings extensive experience from a national senior living provider and holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. A Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in multiple states, Grant recently chaired the Board of LeadingAge Washington and serves on the Finance and Audit Committee and CCRC Cabinet. Outside of work, he enjoys home improvement projects and making his young son and daughter smile.    

Amy Biemeck
Director of Human Resources

Amy Biemeck is a people-focused HR leader who excels at building trust, strengthening relationships, and shaping positive workplace culture. With more than 10 years of experience in social work and foster care leadership, she brings deep compassion and strong organizational insight to her role.

Amy also has over 20 years of leadership and speaking experience through youth, young adult, and international ministry work. Having lived on three continents, she values cultural diversity and has a gift for recognizing talent in unexpected places.

Cindy Leung
Director of Marketing

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.

Nicole McCarthy
Director of Resident Services

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 Baker
Director of Facilities

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 Blueye
Food & Beverage General Manager

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
Health Care Administrator

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 Swezey-Hall
Environmental Services Director

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.