Ecumen Taps Former Unitedhealth, Optum Leader As Ceo

Nonprofit senior living provider Ecumen has selected Cyrus Batheja as its next president and CEO.

Batheja brings more than 20 years of experience to the position, and he most recently held leadership positions at UnitedHealthcare and Optum as the chief growth officer of the MyConnections business and vice president of nursing at OptumRx, respectively, according to a news release.

His experience in the health care industry continues to this day, as he is the co-founder of Batheja Supportive Living Services, a community‑based housing and care organization serving individuals with complex medical and social needs.

His background in data analytics while with organizations such as UnitedHealthcare and Optum have prepared him for leading Ecumen, given that understanding patients and residents has to be at the forefront of thinking, particularly with value-based approaches, Batheja told Senior Housing News.

During his time with UnitedHealthcare, he led housing initiatives in the Medicaid portfolio, particularly focusing on those experiencing housing challenges to understand their challenges and the social drivers affecting their health.

“We have this amazing opportunity to provide best in class housing,” Batheja said. “I want Ecumen to be the leading provider of first-class care and dignified housing for those in need, while navigating the challenges of health care.”

Shoreview, Minnesota-based Ecumen provides a range of services, including senior living, home care and hospice. It ranked as the 22nd largest nonprofit provider by senior living units on the 2025 LZ 200.

Minnesota has been a hotspot for senior living providers integrating value-based care models. Ecumen has participated in Medicare Advantage plans brought to market by UCare and Genevive, for example.

Marcia Kull, chairman of Ecumen’s board of trustees, noted in the release that Batheja’s “experience, strategic vision and deep commitment to Ecumen’s mission-driven work are perfectly suited to guide us in this rapidly changing health care landscape.” 

“He is an entrepreneurial leader with a commitment to creating dignified living spaces and care with a focus on the people we serve and those who care for them,” Kull said.

He will take the reins of the organization March 23, and succeeds outgoing president and CEO Shelley Kendrick, who has been with the organization since 2012 and served as its leader since 2019.

“The future of care must integrate innovative housing, person-centered care and community-based support,” Batheja said in the release. “Ecumen and our nearly 3,000 team members are uniquely positioned to create homes we would be proud to live in and provide care we would be grateful to receive.”

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