Leadership

J. Thomas Briody, MHSc, was appointed Institute on Aging President and CEO in 2012, bringing 25 years of leadership expertise in the continuum of elder care services, coupled with a breadth and depth of knowledge in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Since that time, IOA has more than doubled in size, serving over 20,000 individuals per year. In 2018, IOA expanded its services in southern California.

Prior to joining IOA, Tom was a Principal for J. T. Briody Health Care Consulting in Western New York, specializing in strategic elder care innovation and leadership development. Tom also served as the President of the Continuing Care Division of the Catholic Health System of Buffalo, New York. Among his many accomplishments was integrating the independently operated skilled nursing facilities and developing a fully integrated continuum of elder care services that included skilled nursing, home health, seniors housing and community care management.

Rebecca Smith-Finlay is a seasoned Personal Concierge at Companioa, bringing more than a decade of experience as a music therapist and memory care director. Her passion lies in positively impacting the lives of Alzheimer's and dementia patients, based on both her professional expertise and personal experience as a primary caregiver. Rebecca's commitment to improving the quality of life for patients and their families sets her apart in the healthcare community. With a strong academic background, including undergraduate and dual master's degrees focused on healthcare analytics, she offers a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and data-driven solutions. As a Personal Concierge at Institute on Aging, Rebecca is dedicated to assisting families with a wide range of tasks, from to-do lists and appointments to shopping and organization. Connect with Rebecca today to explore how she can support you on your dementia care journey.

Alexandra Kaplan is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and CARES Dementia Specialist who serves as a Companioa Caregiver Coach. Alexandra graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, and from the University of Southern California with a Master’s degree in Gerontology. Prior to joining Institute on Aging as a Caregiver Coach, Alexandra worked in the senior living industry, directing activities and memory care initiatives. She is passionate about quality dementia care and education, as well as breaking the stigma around aging.