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 serves as Director of Sales and Marketing at Emerald Heights, bringing more than 25 years of professional experience, including the past eight years dedicated to senior living. Her background in strategic outreach and relationship-building reflects a thoughtful and consultative approach to guiding individuals and families through important life decisions.

Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Hayward, with concentrations in Marketing, Telecommunications, and Computer Information Systems. She is committed to helping prospective residents make informed and confident decisions as they plan for the future.

Outside of work, Cindy serves on the Board of The TBCK Foundation and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and exploring 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.

Nicole is a graduate of LeadingAge Washington’s Leadership Academy and currently serves as a LeadingAge Washington LPC Cabinet Member, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and advancing best practices in resident services. She is also pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology through Oregon State University.

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 joined Emerald Heights in 2025 as Food and Beverage General Manager, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. He oversees all dining outlets on campus, leading culinary operations and service teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences for residents and guests.

His background spans large corporate establishments to fine dining, reflecting a deep passion for quality, service excellence, and creating memorable meals that bring people together. With a leadership philosophy centered on people, process, and hospitality excellence, Russell is committed to cultivating vibrant dining environments where residents can gather, connect, and enjoy outstanding cuisine.

Outside of work, Russell enjoys developing new dishes for his food blog, hosting dinner parties, and connecting with friends and family through social gatherings and events.

Jill Jones brings more than 30 years of experience across acute and post-acute care continuums to Emerald Heights. Most recently, a Regional Director with Providence Health & Services, she led clinical operations, quality initiatives, and regulatory compliance efforts across diverse care environments.

She holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington and is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. She is also a Certified Professional in Health Care Quality and is board-certified in Long-Term Care Infection Prevention. As a highly impactful leader, Jill is known for being a change facilitator and driving positive cultural improvements in the organizations she leads.

Natalie Swezey brings more than eight years of experience in healthcare and community operations to Emerald Heights. Most recently serving as Environmental Services Supervisor at Heron’s Key, she led with excellence, earning zero-deficiency state surveys, strong resident satisfaction, and a reputation for high standards in infection control and compliance.

Her experience also includes roles in Security and Concierge services, providing her with a broad understanding of community operations and resident needs. Natalie is known for her initiative, teamwork, and commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for residents, team members, and guests.

She is a member of the 2026 cohort of the LeadingAge Washington Leadership Institute, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and service leadership.

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.

Wendee David has served as Director of Nursing at Emerald Heights since 2024, bringing more than 20 years of nursing experience across Intensive Care, Trauma, Home Health, and Case Management, along with 10 years of skilled nursing leadership.

She oversees nursing and clinical services across the community, supporting quality outcomes, regulatory excellence, and compassionate, resident-centered care. Wendee’s depth of clinical expertise and operational leadership reflects a strong commitment to safety, accountability, and team development.

Wendee holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Healthcare Administration, as well as associate degrees in Nursing and Arts (English). She serves on the Pierce County Ombuds Advisory Board and the Lake Washington Technical Institute Advisory Board, demonstrating her dedication to professional mentorship and community advocacy.

Outside of work, Wendee enjoys gaming and spending time with her five grandchildren.