Former Chief Brand Officer remembered as a trailblazer whose vision helped define excellence across the senior living industry
For Immediate Release
ROSWELL, Ga. – Phoenix Senior Living is honoring the life and legacy of Teri Marinko, the company’s former Chief Brand Officer, by naming its AI Concierge in her memory. Beginning today, the AI Concierge – often the first warm welcome prospective residents and families experience when reaching out to Phoenix Senior Living – will carry her name: Teri.
Marinko, who served as Chief Brand Officer at Phoenix Senior Living until her retirement in March 2020, passed away on March 30, 2026. Over a career that also included leadership roles at Sunrise Senior Living, Benchmark Senior Living, Emory Healthcare, and Charter Medical Corporation, she became known throughout the senior living industry as a visionary in branding, sales, and innovation – and, above all, as a leader whose passion for people set a new standard for excellence.
“Some people shape an organization. Others shape an entire industry. Teri Marinko did both,” said Summer Blizzard, SVP of Operations at Phoenix Senior Living. “Teri was a true trailblazer in senior living – a visionary leader whose passion for innovation, branding, sales, and, most importantly, people helped redefine what excellence looks like. Her influence reached far beyond the communities she served. She mentored leaders, inspired teams, challenged us to think differently, and reminded us that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, heard, and valued.”
“The impact she made cannot be measured by titles or accomplishments alone,” said Seth Pesek, President of Phoenix Senior Living. “It lives on in the countless lives she touched, the leaders she developed, and the culture she helped create.”
To ensure that legacy continues to inspire future generations, Phoenix Senior Living chose to honor Marinko in a way that reflects how she lived and led: by putting her name at the very first point of connection between the company and the families it serves. Just as Marinko made everyone she encountered feel seen, heard, and valued, Teri, the AI Concierge, will now carry that same spirit into every conversation with families beginning their journey with Phoenix Senior Living.
“It is a fitting tribute to someone who embraced innovation, believed in the power of meaningful connections, and understood that exceptional sales – and exceptional service – always begin with genuine care for people,” said Justin Harden, VP of Sales & Marketing at Phoenix Senior Living. “Every conversation. Every first impression. Every welcome. Teri’s legacy will continue to live in the heart of Phoenix Senior Living.”
Phoenix Senior Living extends its deepest gratitude to Marinko for her decades of leadership and mentorship. “Thank you, Teri, for blazing the trail, believing in people, and leaving our industry better than you found it,” said Blizzard. “Your impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.”
For Jesse Marinko, CEO of Phoenix Senior Living, the tribute carries a deeply personal meaning. “This is an awesome tribute to an even more amazing person,” said Marinko. “I was lucky to have her as a mom and a leader to learn from. It’s where I learned what culture should look like.”
About Phoenix Senior Living: Phoenix Senior Living is a privately held senior housing organization based in Roswell, Georgia, operating communities throughout the Southeast United States. Each Phoenix Senior Living community offers personalized independent living, assisted living, and memory care services designed around the needs and dignity of every resident.
Media Contact: Justin Harden, Vice President of Sales & Marketing | Phoenix Senior Living [email protected]
