Our Team

Our collaborative circle of talent brings over 180 years of collective experience in the senior living industry to their work in supporting each Community Executive Director and their team. This hard-won expertise results in best practices incorporated into efficient, effective systems and a broad range of resources. Regional teams, each led by a Regional Director of Operations, work with other corporate directors and team members in the areas of health services, sales, marketing, human resources, operations and finance. Ridgeline is a growing, forward-thinking and technology-savvy company providing ongoing education, encouragement and service to our managed communities, with a balance of compassion and professionalism.

Chuck McGlade, M.D.
Founding Stakeholder/President

Dr. McGlade is the founder and partner of Ridgeline. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University Medical College with honors. and as a unique expression of life. Tested and tried policies, procedures, and programs have been developed with a base of industry best practices and developed with an innovative spirit.

He was Chief Resident at UCLA Medical Center, Medical Director for the Department of Radiology at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon for ten years and remains a partner in Radiology Associates.

His expertise is not confined to the medical field. He gained greater technology knowledge serving on the board of a local software firm. He is also managing partner of a commercial real estate group which has enhanced his knowledge of architecture and development. His exposure to these varied fields, together with his extensive medical background has afforded Dr. McGlade a unique perspective on the broad spectrum of senior care.

As a founder and partner, he has overseen the financial, budgetary process and has been the driving force to position Ridgeline as peerless in the senior housing market. He is a visionary who nurtures individual growth in the team, is a passionate advocate of innovative programming and has been instrumental in achieving this paradigm shift in the senior living industry.

John Reid Safrans
Stakeholder/Chief Executive Officer

John Safrans formerly of Baby Boomer Senior Living has managed hundreds of senior living facilities across the United States. Further, he has inspected and evaluated over 2,000 senior living properties as a designated troubleshooter for some of the nation’s largest senior living management companies. John is a recognized national expert at diagnosing problems and prescribing solutions for under-performing senior living facilities.

Prior to joining Ridgeline Management Company, Safrans was VP of Environmental Operations for JEA Senior Living. With JEA, Safrans was actively involved in the ground-up development of 16 new senior living communities; and had direct environmental responsibility for a portfolio of 65 communities comprising over 4,500 units. Mr. Safrans has also served as the Corporate Executive Director/VP of Operations for Horizon Bay Senior Living. John is excited to use his years of experience and wealth of knowledge to help Ridgeline Management continue to be a respected leader in Senior Living.

Ben Tragethon
Chief Operating Officer

Ben proudly joined the Ridgeline team as Chief Operating Officer in March 2024. As a seasoned professional in Senior Living management, Ben brings over twenty years of experience, leading with a strategic and hands-on approach that focuses on the strength of individuals within any organization. Growing up with parents serving as pastors in a small Minnesota town with a population of 123 people, Ben was immersed in a tight-knit community instilling in him a strong sense of community. These values were reinforced during his time in the United States Air Force, where working together as a cohesive unit can lead to greater achievements emphasizing the importance of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement. Ben and his wife Kristi, a small business owner and middle school teacher live in Pearland, TX. Ben is the proud father of 4 kids and is a lifelong Minnesota sports fan (which has taught him a great deal about patience and grace.)

Michael Johnson
Operations Specialist

A seasoned eldercare executive and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Michael brings over 15 years of healthcare experience and a deep passion for senior living. His career shift from the news and publishing industries was inspired by a personal health-related experience with his late mother — driving his commitment to guiding staff, families, and residents with care and compassion. Having “walked the path” of a family member gives Michael a unique perspective on both sides of the eldercare business. Michael has a proven track record of revitalizing struggling communities, growing census, increasing net profit, and enhancing the senior living experience for countless residents and families.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys life in Sidney, Ohio, where he proudly carries the title of grandfather to the two smartest and most beautiful granddaughters in the universe.

Cheryl Pion
National Director of Sales and Marketing

Having started her journey in senior living as an assisted living marketing representative in her hometown, Cheryl joined Ridgeline Management Company in June of 2023 as the National Director of Sales and Marketing, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in the senior living industry. Throughout her career, Cheryl has built a reputation for driving growth through authentic leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to people-first sales practices.

She is passionate about cultivating an inspiring and results-driven sales culture rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and continuous support. Cheryl believes that true success in senior living comes from meaningful relationships, and she excels at connecting with prospects, families, and team members by building trust through genuine compassion, care, and a sincere desire to help others navigate important life decisions. Known for her approachable leadership style and strong emotional intelligence, Cheryl empowers sales teams to perform at their highest level while maintaining empathy and integrity at the core of every interaction.

In her free time, Cheryl finds joy in traveling and creating special moments with her family and her beloved daughter, Blake.

Coni Rathbone
Legal Counsel

Coni Rathbone is an attorney licensed to practice in Oregon and Idaho. Coni has practiced law since 1988: 20 years at Davis Wright Tremaine; 10 years in her own firm; and the balance with Dunn Carney. Coni is a remarkable negotiator and dealmaker, bringing together seven years of management and financing experience prior to law school. She focuses her deal-making skills in the areas of real estate, including real estate finance and real estate securities, opportunity zones, tenant-in-common (TIC) workouts, entity structuring, and general business transactions. Coni has extensive experience in the Senior Living industry. Coni is a prominent national teacher, presenter and writer about topics ranging from Entity Structuring, Opportunity Zones, and Negotiations. Coni regularly teaches to commercial real estate brokers, and taught Negotiations at the PSU Center for Real Estate graduate programs for several years. Coni is a real estate developer in addition to practicing law. Coni has worked with Ridgeline Management Company and Dr. Charles McGlade as outside counsel since 2011.