Director of Sales and Marketing at The Village at Penn State, Alanna Parsons, enjoys making personal connections with prospective residents and their families. As she helps them discover the joy and excitement of living at The Village, she feels especially rewarded to see them achieve fulfilling retirements after moving in.

“It’s really neat to see new residents discover all that The Village has to offer. It’s amazing to see them enjoy a worry-free lifestyle and really make the most of their retirement here,” she reflects. Making it an easy decision for prospective residents, Alanna’s diverse background of professional experience has helped her succeed within this role.

Earning a basketball scholarship to Seton Hill University, Alanna completed her undergraduate degree and later became a basketball coach at Penn State University Behrend in Erie. Earning her MBA while coaching, Alanna’s role involved recruiting different players and touring the campus with their families. Later in her career, Alanna worked in sales and marketing at a local hospice agency. Moving on to pharmaceutical sales, Alanna then discovered a wonderful opportunity in sales and marketing at The Village.

“With my previous experience in hospice, I was around several different retirement communities and worked with residents and their families,” she explains. “And as a coach I used to give campus tours to student athletes and their families. The opportunity I found at The Village seemed like the perfect combination of all of my previous skills,” she adds.

Beginning her journey with The Village…

Indeed it was. Alanna began working at The Village in the beginning of 2013 and became Director of Sales and Marketing just one year later. Within her role, Alanna helps prospective residents discover all that this community has to offer and nurtures their journey to moving in.

Introducing potential new residents to the benefits of living at The Village, Alanna enjoys sharing the wide variety of amenities throughout this community. With five-star dining that’s also available for delivery, plus safe, engaging activities personalized to residents’ unique interests, as well as routine housekeeping and maintenance services, there are numerous opportunities for residents to experience fulfilling retirements.

And who could forget the community’s connection to Penn State University? With close relationships to faculty members across various departments, residents at The Village enjoy educational lectures, attending sporting events when available, and many other university-based opportunities.

As Alanna helps welcome new residents to The Village, her relationships and connections continue to grow with the people who call this community home. “I really get to know the residents here on a personal level. After having my kids and returning to work it was so easy. The people here are like my extended family. It’s as if I have over 200 extra grandparents,” she laughs. “I just enjoy the everyday life here walking down the halls and having those personal interactions with residents. It’s amazing,” she adds.

While Alanna makes close connections with residents throughout the community, her colleagues at The Village make her job all the more rewarding. “Our team of professionals here are outstanding. So many of them have been here since the community opened 17 years ago. That longevity speaks to how much we all enjoy working here together and providing the best living experience possible for our residents.” Going above and beyond to provide outstanding service, the Village’s team of professionals continue to ensure engagement, wellness, and fun for residents throughout the community.