Immanuel Board of Directors names Julie Kaminski as next President and CEO

Immanuel’s Board of Directors has unanimously selected Julie Kaminski, currently Chief Operating Officer, to serve as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Julie will assume the role on April 20, 2026, succeeding Eric Gurley, who has announced plans to retire after 17 years of leadership at the faith-based, nonprofit retirement living and senior care organization. Eric and Julie will work closely throughout the spring and summer to support a thoughtful transition and ensure continued continuity and momentum across Immanuel’s communities and Pathways PACE® centers.

Since joining Immanuel in July 2017, Julie has played a central role in advancing innovation, clinical and housing excellence, equity and inclusion efforts, and employee empowerment across the organization.

She brings decades of experience in retirement living and senior care, along with a lifelong dedication to serving older adults and the teams who support them. Julie began her leadership career at age 29 with Life Care Services shortly after completing her graduate degree. She later served as an executive director in both community-based and faith-affiliated organizations, including Seven Oaks at Notre Dame in Omaha, Nebraska. She went on to lead statewide advocacy efforts as the CEO of LeadingAge Nebraska for six years before joining Immanuel.

A devoted mother, wife, and person of faith, Julie has long emphasized mentorship, trust, candor, and team empowerment as hallmarks of her leadership approach. She said she is honored by the Board’s confidence and eager to build on Immanuel’s mission-driven foundation.

“Immanuel is special because of its people, mission, and commitment to excellence,” Julie said. “I look forward to strengthening our communities and centers, advancing our mission, and ensuring that every person we serve can grow and age with dignity, safety, and wellness. Our CHRIST Promises, strategic initiatives, and commitment to residents, participants, and employees remain at the center of everything we do. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation we have collectively created.”

Jill Powers, chair of Immanuel’s Board of Directors, said the board unanimously selected Julie to succeed Eric. Jill noted that Julie has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, deep expertise, and a clear alignment with Immanuel’s mission and values.

“Selecting the next President and CEO is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to this Board, and this decision reflects a thoughtful, year-long process,” Jill said. “Over the past year, as part of our discernment, we intentionally met with employees and leaders across our organization to hear their hopes, examples of our mission in action, and perspectives on future operations. We are deeply grateful for their participation, and that feedback was instrumental in shaping the priorities we set for Immanuel’s next leader.”

Eric, who will transition to a strategic advisor role through the end of June, emphasized his confidence in Julie’s leadership.

“I could not be more confident in Julie stepping into this role,” Eric said. “She understands this organization and leads with integrity, courage, and heart. In her time as COO, Julie has championed innovation, strengthened our operations, and empowered our teams in meaningful ways. I am grateful to the Board for its discernment, commend them for their work, and am excited for what lies ahead under Julie’s leadership.”