Spark Joyful Moments
Where Fun Never Retires
Our Values
Commitment to Kindness
Whatever it Takes
Do the Right Thing
Stay curious, Keep Learning and Never Settle
Our History
Concordis Senior Living was founded in 2008, built upon a legacy of care that began in the 1980s when the Johnsen family moved south and opened one of the first Adult Congregate Living Facilities (ACLFs) in central Florida.
The name “Concordis” is derived from the Latin word Concordia, meaning harmony and peace, which reflects the company’s core values: doing the right thing, whatever it takes; a commitment to kindness; and a dedication to continual learning, curiosity, and never settling.
The journey of Concordis traces its roots back more than three decades, when the Johnsen family began building, leasing, and selling multiple assisted living facilities (ALFs) across the region. The company’s trajectory took a major step forward in 2006 when Peder Johnsen, the third-generation leader of the Johnsen family, partnered with Trent Watkins, a newcomer to Florida who had relocated after acquiring several Sonic Drive-In restaurants. Together, they launched their first ALF, Lexington Park, near The Villages .
In 2009, this partnership evolved into the creation of Concordis Senior Living. Combining entrepreneurial passion with a shared vision for senior living, Peder and Trent launched the company with the aim of creating a unique niche in the industry: social senior living with a fun, local vibe. Their purpose is clear—to Spark Joyful Moments where fun never retires.
As the company grew, so did its needs, particularly in accounting and financial management. To support the expanding portfolio and the complexities of HUD-financed projects, the team enlisted Trent’s younger brother, Travis Watkins, a certified public accountant with a background in real estate. Travis joined the team in 2010, bringing vital financial expertise to help steer the company toward continued growth.
With the leadership of Peder, Trent, and Travis, Concordis Senior Living has expanded to more than 10 communities across the Southeast, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Today, the company’s vibrant portfolio reflects the vision of the Johnsen family, the entrepreneurial spirit of Peder Johnsen, and the financial acumen of the Watkins brothers. Concordis is not just a business—it is a testament to their commitment to providing seniors with social, joyful, and dignified lifestyles in communities that feel like home.
Meet Our Team
Peder Johnsen
Chief Executive Officer
Peder Johnsen is the Chief Executive Officer of Concordis Senior Living, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in the senior living industry. He is responsible for regulatory compliance and overseeing the daily operations of Concordis communities. Peder’s family has been involved in senior living for three generations, making them one of Florida’s early senior living developers and operators. The Johnsen family developed their first assisted living community in 1980 in central Florida, successfully executing a strategy of developing, stabilizing, and selling assisted living facilities. In 1995, Peder took over leadership of his family’s two assisted living communities in Marion County, where he managed all aspects of the business. From 2000 onwards, Peder renovated and expanded these communities, acquired and turned around underperforming facilities, and developed a new community before partnering with Trent Watkins in 2008 to establish Concordis Senior Living, LLC.
Trent Watkins
President
Trent Watkins is the President of Concordis Senior Living, LLC, where he oversees the company’s financial and legal affairs, as well as development and acquisitions. He has arranged financing for senior living projects through various channels, including conventional loans, HUD/FHA insured loan programs, REITs, and private sector bonds. With more than a decade of experience in real estate development across multiple industries, Trent brings a broad skill set to his leadership role. Prior to joining Concordis, Trent practiced law in Dallas, Texas, focusing on complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy. He also turned around a portfolio of underperforming Sonic Drive-In restaurants in central Florida, gaining valuable experience in operations, labor management, inventory control, marketing, and human resources. Trent holds a degree in economics from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Travis Watkins
Chief Financial Officer
Travis Watkins is the Chief Financial Officer for Concordis Senior Living, where he oversees accounting, financial reporting, strategic planning, operating budgets, and banking relationships. He has streamlined the accounting system, speeding up the month-end closing process, which enables quick action on financial data and meets reporting requirements for investment partners, HUD, and REITs. Travis has also leveraged his real estate leasing and sales experience to introduce an incentive-based sales approach, motivating salespeople and aligning their interests with the company’s goals. His real estate background has been invaluable for market evaluation, site evaluation, and negotiations. Prior to joining Concordis in 2010, Travis worked for Grubb & Ellis and The Weitzman Group, where he earned recognition as a “Heavy Hitter” in retail brokerage and received the CoStar Power Broker Award. He holds a Masters in Professional Accounting and a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Julie Fernandez
Vice President of People
and Team Development
With over 30 years of experience in senior living, Julie is an exceptional leader, trainer, and operator, passionate about employee training and developing innovative programs. Julie focuses on developing organizational best practices and learning opportunities, with a strong emphasis on onboarding, orientation, and training processes. She works closely with management and team members to enhance work relationships, improve morale, and increase retention. She is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and a Certified Dementia Practitioner, with additional certifications in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach™ to Care (PAC). Julie has also served on the University of Central Florida’s Gerontology Community Advisory Committee and as Board President for the Alzheimer’s Dementia Resource Center of Orlando. Her extensive expertise in dementia care and training makes her a key resource in the senior living field.
Page Fox
Vice President of Marketing
Page Fox is the Vice President of Marketing for Concordis Senior Living, with a decade of experience in the senior living industry. Since joining Concordis, she has mastered senior living marketing, creating campaigns across various media platforms. Page also coordinates events, manages social media, conducts market analysis, and handles reporting, all of which have contributed to increased census, improved efficiency, and organizational continuity. Passionate and driven, she is dedicated to enhancing the experience and comfort of residents transitioning into senior living. Outside of work, Page enjoys spending time with her family in Maryland, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens, and relaxing with her dog, Pippen.
Sarah Miller
Vice President of Operations
Sarah Miller is the Vice President of Operations at Concordis Senior Living, with over 11 years of experience in operational management and strategy. A graduate of USF in Long Term Care Administration, she began her healthcare career as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Florida. Sarah has worked in various settings, including skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, home health, and CCRC’s, and has a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals. Passionate about collaboration and continuous improvement, she fosters a culture of accountability and innovation. Sarah is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and building meaningful connections with residents and their families. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and embracing outdoor activities.
Tiffany Doreste
Vice President of Resident Care
Tiffany, Vice President of Resident Care, has been a nurse in Assisted Living since 2006, bringing years of experience and compassionate care to her role. She currently oversees Resident Care for all of the Concordis communities throughout Florida, ensuring the highest care standards are upheld. Tiffany leads with a hands-on approach, consistently inspiring and educating those around her, while focusing on achieving outstanding outcomes. A true leader, she offers guidance without seeking recognition, driven by her passion for fostering growth in others. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, gardening, and appreciating the simple joys of life.
Tracy Bass
Vice President of Sales
Tracy, Vice President of Sales, transitioned from a 20-year career in the airline industry to the Senior Living sector, starting as a Life Enrichment Director. She quickly advanced to roles including Activities Director, Director of Sales, and Regional Sales Specialist, before becoming Vice President of Sales at Concordis Senior Living. As a sales leader, Tracy mentors and challenges marketing teams to exceed expectations in both census growth and customer service. She is committed to providing families with the information and support they need from trusted marketing professionals. Tracy finds inspiration in the residents’ unique life stories and their infectious laughter. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family, tending to her mini farm, and cultivating her organic garden.
Allan Repka
Controller
Allan Repka, the Controller for Concordis Senior Living, oversees the accounting department and financial reporting for the company over the last 5 years. He is a certified Public Accountant with over twenty-five years in various fields like senior living, construction, manufacturing and tax. Allan has been working to optimize the operating systems within the company to streamline management reporting. Allan brings a well-rounded approach to financial stewardship and is passionate about leveraging data to drive business success and sustainability.
Tracy Underwood
Regional Sales Director
Tracy Underwood, Regional Sales Director for Concordis Senior Living, brings over 15 years of experience in the senior living industry, specializing in sales, census development, and team building. She collaborates with each Concordis-managed community to implement best practices that enhance market positioning and competitiveness. Tracy works closely with local teams on all aspects of the sales process, including outreach, database management, touring, and closing, to boost census and revenue. As a certified assisted living administrator, she understands the importance of integrating operations and sales to deliver exceptional hospitality and customer service. On her days off, Tracy enjoys spending time with her husband, Jamie, and dog, Ripley, riding bikes, boating, and fishing in the Atlantic.
Jessica Hernandez
Senior Staff Accountant - AP
Jessica, Senior Staff Accountant, has over 15 years of experience in accounting, specializing in Accounts Payable. Known for her unselfish and approachable personality, she excels in detailed, skill-based work and places high value on following established professional practices to mitigate risk. Jessica is particularly adept at identifying discrepancies that positively impact the company’s profit and has contributed to improvements in the Chart of Accounts and the development of annual expense plan goals.
Laura Blackadar
Senior Staff Accountant - AR
Laura, Senior Staff Accountant, brings 40 years of experience in the accounting field, having worked for a variety of industries including real estate developers, law firms, grocery stores, salmon hatcheries, and Native Alaskan government before joining Concordis. She became a part of the Concordis team in July of 2023. Laura enjoys cooking and baking, traveling, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with family and friends.
Rebecca Want
Office Manager
Recebbca, Concordis Office Manager, has over 35 years of executive administrative experience and brings a wealth of expertise to Concordis Senior Living. Her diverse career spans industries including oil and gas, construction, and personal protection, where she has consistently demonstrated her organizational and leadership skills. Outside of work, Rebecca is passionate about reupholstering furniture, painting, and exploring new wines.
