The Brethren Hillcrest Homes board of directors has appointed Chief Financial Officer Joel Brouwer as interim president and CEO following the resignation of Matthew Neeley, the La Verne nonprofit announced.

Brouwer joined Hillcrest in 2023 and has more than 25 years of experience in financial and strategic leadership. He was named CFO of the Year in the small- to midsize-company category at the 2025 LA Executive Leadership Awards.

"Joel knows Hillcrest, understands our mission and brings the experience and perspective needed to provide strong leadership during this transition," board Chair Jack W. Meek said in a statement.

Neeley resigned after more than 20 years with Hillcrest. The organization did not provide a reason for his departure. Neeley could not be reached for comment.

Meek said Brouwer will serve as interim president and CEO while the board conducts "a thoughtful search" for Hillcrest's next chief executive. The board has not set a deadline, he said, emphasizing that its priority is finding the right fit for Hillcrest's mission, values and culture rather than moving quickly to fill the position. Directors will oversee the process and determine opportunities for input from residents, employees and community members as the search moves forward.

Meek also stressed that the leadership change is not tied to concerns about Hillcrest's financial or operational health. He said Hillcrest remains financially strong, operations and services are continuing as usual, and staff are focused on providing the experience and care residents expect.

Hillcrest reported $37.1 million in revenue and $35.2 million in expenses for the fiscal year ending June 2025, according to ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. Hillcrest's Form 990 for that fiscal year was filed May 14, 2026, and is the most recent financial information available for the organization.

"Out of respect for the confidentiality of personnel matters, the Board will not discuss the circumstances surrounding Matthew's resignation. What we can say is that the leadership transition does not change our confidence in Hillcrest's financial position, operations or commitment to residents," Meek said in the statement.

Residents and team members were told about the leadership transition before the media statement was shared publicly, Brouwer said in an email. The board communicated the change internally, including Brouwer's appointment as interim president and CEO, Neeley's resignation and the steps being taken to ensure continuity during the transition. "We wanted the Hillcrest community to hear the news directly from the organization before it was shared more broadly," he said.

No formal event marking Neeley's departure has been announced, Brouwer said. "Matthew served Hillcrest for more than 20 years, and the Board is grateful for his many contributions to the organization and community," he said. Residents who want to share personal messages or well wishes can submit cards to pass along to Neeley — "a meaningful way for members of the Hillcrest community to recognize his years of service on a personal level."

Brouwer said the senior living community is focused on stability and continuity as it navigates the leadership transition.

"We're strong. We're operating as usual, and we're looking forward. We're not just putting a body in a seat," he said.

Brouwer has more than three decades of leadership experience in financial services, including senior roles at Farmers Insurance and several senior roles—including CFO and chief compliance officer—at the investment management firm First Quadrant.

His move into senior living, he said, is a return to long-standing roots—his mother was a nurse who became a nursing home administrator and managed assisted living facilities, and Brouwer worked for her in skilled nursing homes during high school and college. "I worked six years in a skilled nursing facility ... Hillcrest is a jewel and a gem, and I thought, you know what? For the last stage of my career, this might be a great opportunity," he said.

In the short term, Brouwer said his priority is to keep the organization steady for staff and residents while the board undertakes the search for the next permanent leader. He continues to serve as CFO while leading Hillcrest, relying on what he describes as a "very strong finance team" and a seasoned controller to share the workload.

Hillcrest is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services. The nonprofit was recently named one of the top 100 employers in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal—a recognition Hillcrest leaders say underscores the community's stability and positive work environment.