SOMERSET, PA – Joel Airesman was promoted to the position of Nursing Home Administrator at The Patriot, a Choice Community, on March 3, 2023, after having served as Director of Nursing at the facility since 2021.
“I have directed my career toward this opportunity and look forward to serving The Patriot community,” he said. Airesman previously served in roles as either a Director of Nursing or an Assistant Director at several other facilities. He earned his Nursing Home Administrator certification in February and has been a Registered Nurse since 2014.
He replaces longtime administrator Barb Smith, who led the facility for almost two years on an interim basis. “I am thankful for Barb’s leadership and steady guidance,” said Airesman. “We have a strong internal team, which shows continuity. We are bound to our mission here at The Patriot. I am proud to work with this staff and serve our care home population.”
In addition to Airesman’s new role, The Patriot also named Stephanie Riffle as Director of Nursing. The Patriot is a mainstay of Somerset County for a reason, having promoted from within in naming Ashley Shawley as Assistant Director of Nursing.
“We take our roles seriously,” Airesman added. “The residents we serve are like family to us.”