Meet our leadership.

John Pulliam is an accomplished and compassionate healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience in senior living and healthcare. As Executive Director at Brandon Wilde, he brings a people-first philosophy to leadership—empowering teams, elevating care, and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Passionate about creating environments where both residents and staff thrive, John’s career highlights include leading successful turnarounds, achieving award-winning quality outcomes, serving as Executive Vice President of an international quality consortium at Emory Healthcare, and strengthening team engagement at every level.

He holds an MBA, a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management, and holds dual licensure as an Administrator and Preceptor in Georgia. John combines strategic vision with genuine compassion for those he serves. Above all, he believes that leading with empathy and purpose transforms communities from the inside out.

With more than a decade of experience in senior living sales and marketing, Sandy Shirk brings a deep understanding of the industry and a heartfelt commitment to helping older adults find their perfect home at Brandon Wilde.

Before transitioning into senior living, Sandy spent over 35 years in the graphic arts field, where she supported several senior living communities and developed a passion for connecting people through meaningful visual storytelling.

As Director of Sales & Marketing, she guides prospective residents and their families through the discovery process, helping them experience the freedom, connection, and vitality that define life at Brandon Wilde. She finds tremendous joy in watching new residents flourish after their moves and in seeing families gather to enjoy the community’s beautiful 73-acre campus.

“It’s a privilege to serve seniors at Brandon Wilde,” Sandy says. “I’m thrilled to come to work each day and support them in the place they call home.”

Avery has worked with seniors for over 31 years, including the last 19 years as the Community Life Services Director. From events, concerts, art, and volunteerism to weekly transportation, concierge and salon, spa, and massage, she and her team enjoy keeping residents fully engaged in all aspects of community life.

Avery has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Valdosta State University. She also has an extensive physical fitness background that includes personal training, water fitness, and Master’s Swimming coaching. Community-minded, Avery was the first female president of the Rotary Club of Columbia County and an active member for over 28 years.

Todd is a graduate of First Coast Technical College in St. Augustine, Florida, and has been to many continuing education courses at The Culinary Institute of America in California. He is also a certified teacher and proctor in the ServSafe program. Before joining Brandon Wilde, Todd worked in many different roles for Compass Group, including director of dining services, executive chef, regional trainer of hospitality, and service manager. Prior to joining Compass Group, he worked for Westin and Sheraton hotels as a regional traveling chef and executive chef. His other work experience includes private clubs and independent restaurants.

Brenda provides support to the Executive Director and the Brandon Wilde Leadership Team.  She prides herself on her exceptional communication skills, hospitality, and sunny disposition.  One of her great joys is working with the Brandon Wilde residents and team members.

Brenda joined Brandon Wilde in 2016 coming from the hospitality industry working for Augusta National Golf Club.  She has over 35 years of experience in senior executive support covering various industries including manufacturing, higher education, real estate, and hospitality.

Zech Legendary serves as Administrator of The Pavilion at Brandon Wilde, providing leadership for the health center and overseeing skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation services. In this role, he is responsible for daily operations, quality of care, regulatory compliance, and fostering positive experiences for residents, families, and team members.

Zech holds an MBA in health care management and is certified as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP®) and Project Management Professional (PMP®). He is licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator in both Florida and Georgia, and is a dedicated advocate for individuals living with dementia. His leadership emphasizes person-centered care that honors dignity, safety, and quality of life through staff education, consistent practices, and compassionate engagement.

Susan graduated from Ogeechee Technical College in 1999 and worked in several different areas of the medical field before starting at Brandon Wilde in 2012. Today Susan works with the residents in independent living, where she follows up with all health center discharges to ensure they have a smooth transition back home.

Andrea leads the Accounting Team providing outstanding service to Brandon Wilde residents and the Leadership Team. Her door is always open to offer assistance or answer questions.

Andrea graduated from Brenau University with an MBA in Leadership Development and an MBA in Accounting Certificate. She became part of the Brandon Wilde family in 2003 and throughout her career has held positions as a Financial Assistant, Billing/IT Manager, and Accounting Manager. Her strong work ethic and exceptional talents led her to receive a promotion to Director of Accounting in 2023.

Erica Vazquez joined the Brandon Wilde team in May 2019 as a Human Resources Assistant, bringing with her a perfectly unique blend of HR experience in both hospitality and health care environments. She was promoted to the role of Human Resources Specialist in 2020, just in time to navigate the global pandemic. A native of Manati, Puerto Rico, Erica earned her B.B.A. in Human Resources Management at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, and her academic and career successes have led to her recent promotion to Director of Human Resources. Erica is an active member of the Society for Human Resources (SHRM) at both the national and local levels. When she’s not busy serving, assisting, mentoring, and otherwise engaging with her talented and dedicated Brandon Wilde teammates, Erica is likely to be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband Kennette and their children, Leilani and Keanu.

Lisa has devoted over 25 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse to healthcare, with a special focus on geriatrics. Now serving as Director of Health Services and Sales & Outreach at Brandon Wilde, she plays a key role in delivering exceptional care to residents. Her work is defined not only by clinical excellence but also by the warmth, empathy, and dedication she brings to every interaction.

For Lisa, caring for others is a true calling. Supporting seniors and their families brings her the greatest fulfillment, and she approaches each day with the passion and commitment that has defined her quarter-century career in healthcare.

Ricky Ann is a Registered Nurse and dedicated healthcare professional who specializes in guiding individuals through their journey to wellness with compassion and clarity. Through the Health and Wellness Navigation Program, she provides personalized support to help residents understand and access the care they need. Her expertise includes Nurse Navigator Services, Emergency Response systems, Clinic Services, and Discharge Planning from hospitals or rehabilitation facilities.