Meet Tommy Miller, Executive Director of Mount Vernon Towers

10 May Meet Tommy Miller, Executive Director of Mount Vernon Towers

Tommy Miller joined Mount Vernon Towers as Executive Director of one of the largest retirement communities in Georgia in 1993, after a 20-year career as Senior Vice President with Bank South, followed by four years running his own company, T. Miller & Associates, Inc. which specialized in the acquisition, turn-around, and selling of small companies.

At Bank South’s Administrative Services Division, Tommy managed 125 bank locations in three states. His responsibilities included procurement, maintenance, renovation, construction, and transportation for all locations. In addition, he was responsible for all foreclosed real estate including the foreclosure and sale of the properties as well as the operations of the properties held.

During the time that he was running his own company, Tommy’s great aunt in Cedartown (GA) fell ill and asked for Tommy’s help. He responded by opening his own small, privately-owned assisted living facility that could accommodate her and other seniors.

“These professional training grounds proved to be invaluable when I got a call inviting me to interview for the top management position at Mount Vernon Towers,” notes Tommy. “I had the hands-on experience they were looking for, including facilities management, transportation, human resources, financial planning, dining services and more.”

Another, less quantifiable characteristics that Tommy brought to Mount Vernon Towers include his people skills, his sense of humor, and his compassion. “Here, it’s all about our residents and making them happy. That means that I get to interact with 300 different personalities, not counting our great staff of 75. Working with people is the greatest part of my job – though of course, sometimes it can be a challenge.”

At Mount Vernon Towers, Tommy is responsible for all operational duties including the financial planning, physical maintenance, dining service, activities, landscaping, security, and transportation; he is also responsible for the 27 bed assisted living center. He is also a Member of the Board of Directors.

In addition, he is responsible for all staff functions, which includes human resources, internal accounting, and tax reporting, as well as for the marketing of condominiums and the assisted living center.

Fortunately, Tommy has found that his management style of ‘asking for advice and then listening, before reacting’ has created a very successful retirement community. “Our residents are great resources for me. They are awfully smart and eager to share their expertise and insights. Also, I know that it is vital for me and my team to communicate regularly with every floor representative. Clear, open communication makes for a friendly and open atmosphere throughout Mount Vernon Towers.”

During his (limited!) spare time, Tommy is an avid golfer with an 8 handicap, and enjoys trips with his golfing buddies to various courses all over the world. His other focus is on his family, including four adult children and two grandchildren who all live in the greater Atlanta area.

“As I am celebrating 20 years at Mount Vernon Towers this year, I am happy to say that I have a whole other family right here,” says Tommy. “It is an honor and privilege to help make Mount Vernon Towers ‘home’ to so many great people.”