Joe Mikalajunas credits his maternal grandparents with his life calling. “There is little doubt that my love for seniors started with my love for them. They instilled in me a deep respect and admiration for older adults.” They taught me that seniors have much to give back to the generations that follow them.

Thus inspired, it was important for Joe to find a senior living company that mirrored those core values in its day-to-day practices. “MorningStar is such a company, one that lives and breathes service. Whether it is service to seniors, service to each other, or service to God, MorningStar nurtures a culture where team members have the opportunity to make a positive difference in people and the world around them.”
Joe brings more than 22 years of operational experience to MorningStar, beginning in 1996 as an Executive Director with Sunrise Senior Living. Since then,

Joe has served as Regional Director of Operations, Chief Operating Officer and President in several companies: Sunrise Senior Living, Marriott Senior Living and Spectrum Retirement Communities. Joe brings a strong track record in building cohesive teams and achieving operational excellence. He understands how to attract top talent that fit the brand culture, then lead them to delivering high performance. “You cannot sustain great performance without top performers, and you cannot retain top performers without a great culture that leads with heart.”

Joe earned a B.A in Political Science and a M.S in Pastoral Counseling, both from Loyola University in Maryland. He enjoys spending leisure time with wife Kristi, his three children and friends.