FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Clay's Retirement Home's John Graham II resigned as
Chief Executive Officer and President of the almost half Century business
effective last Friday March 16. "The time was right for me to go. With Clay's
new owner Celestine Hicks taking over March 2 it just seemed the right to do",
the 46 year old former pro baseball executive said. l think that new owners
should have the right to make the changes they want to do. I could have stayed,
but when the deal closed on March 2 I really did some soul searching and decided
to move on". Graham added.This will mark the first in the almost 50 years of
business at Clays that the Clay or Graham family will not be operate the
facility.
Graham said it was a difficult decision "The residents and staff have become
part of my family. Before coming to Blacksone 5 years ago I had always said I
had no interest in running this retirement home. But I will treasure my time as
CEO at Clay's. It has been so rewarding and I will never forget this time"
Graham said.
As far as new ownership Graham said "Celestine (Hicks) is a smart solid
businesswoman. I know she will work hard to keep Clay's moving forward" added
Graham ' Thje new name is Clay"s Assisted Living. Mrs
Hicks also owns 2 homes in the Richmond area.
"Clay's has always had that special "Clay's difference". We treat all our
residents and staff as family and I don't think any retirement home anywhere has
this special relsationship with their people. That would be my biggest
recomendation to Mrs Hicks." Graham said.
Graham was a pro baseball executive for 17 years with the Phillies, White Sox,
Astros and Mariners. He than spent 10 years as Southeast Region International
Customer service manager for Airborne Express.He moved to Blackstone 5 years ago
to help his mother Joan Graham operate the facility, due to illness of the
Senior John Graham. Mr Graham died last Easter Sunday. Mrs Graham has moved to
Lake Gastone fulltime. Mr Graham is spending time there as well. "I need a
break. I do intend to retrurn to Nottoway County and try make a difference. I
also thank all the businesses in the County for their help. And of course I wish
all the very best to our residents,staff and new owner Celestine Hicks. May God
Bless all of them and God Speed." Mr Graham added.


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