New Executive Director John Pulliam Leads Brandon Wilde with Stability, Heart, and Vision

When John R. Pulliam, LNHA, LNHAP, first joined Brandon Wilde in May 2025 as Administrator of Health Services, he brought more than two decades of leadership in skilled nursing and post-acute care. Within months, his steady presence and people-first approach made a lasting impression on the LifePlan community’s residents, staff, and leadership. By fall, Pulliam had been named Executive Director, a move that felt not only natural but deeply right for a community so well known for its warmth, stability, and pursuit of excellence.

“I’ve been familiar with Brandon Wilde for years,” he says. “Even as far away as Atlanta, people speak of this community with great respect. It’s a rare place where hospitality and healthcare truly merge. The culture here doesn’t just benefit residents — it transforms the relationships among staff, families, and the larger community.”

A Vision Rooted in Unity

As Executive Director, Pulliam’s vision is clear: one community, one Brandon Wilde.

“There are no silos here,” he says. “Whether it’s independent living, personal care, memory care, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing, we’re all one team. Every achievement is a Brandon Wilde success.”

He believes breaking down departmental barriers creates better communication, stronger relationships, and higher-quality care. “When staff from every area build relationships with residents across all levels of care, everyone benefits,” he says. “It builds trust, continuity, and a true sense of belonging for everyone.”

That holistic approach extends to the residents themselves. Many independent living residents have loved ones in care neighborhoods, and, as Pulliam notes, “Everyone wants to know the Pavilion is running smoothly because someday, they may need that care. Familiar faces make that transition easier.”

A Steady Hand and a Calming Presence

Pulliam’s leadership has been marked by stability and reassurance — qualities that earned him the respect of both residents and corporate leadership at Life Care Services (LCS). “I think they saw the ability to bring calm and stability,” he reflects. “Brandon Wilde had gone through some changes, but the residents always remained our focus. I think my job was to keep the ship steady — and we’ve done that.”

When outgoing Executive Director Greg Burge announced his plans to retire, he personally recommended Pulliam as his successor. “Greg told me, ‘You’ve got the leadership skills and the calming effect this community needs,’” Pulliam recalls. “I was humbled by that.”

The support from residents was just as strong. “They told me, ‘You really need to be our Executive Director,’” he says with a smile. “That enthusiasm was overwhelming and energizing. It made the transition joyful.”

A Milestone Year

One of Pulliam’s first major moments as Executive Director was helping the community celebrate its 35th anniversary, an event that reinforced Brandon Wilde’s legacy of excellence and longevity.

“I’ve loved hearing stories from residents who’ve been here 15, 20, even 30 years,” he says. “That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about this community. My motto is ‘Excellence doesn’t happen by chance — you plan for it.’ And here, we plan for excellence every day.”

Looking Ahead

From his first day, Pulliam has embodied Brandon Wilde’s defining strengths: hospitality, compassion, and community.

“I’m grateful every day to be part of this place,” he says. “Brandon Wilde is thriving because of the people — residents, staff, and families — who make it feel like home. I look forward to building on that legacy for years to come.”

Learn More About Brandon Wilde

If you’re curious about what life at Brandon Wilde could look like for you or a loved one, we invite you to come see it firsthand. Call us today at 706-868-9800 or schedule a personal visit.