At Transforming Age, every community has a unique story shaped by the residents, families, team members, and leaders who bring it to life. Behind each community is a dedicated Executive Director whose vision, leadership, and commitment help create an environment where people feel connected, supported, and at home.
We’re excited to continue our Executive Director Spotlight Series by introducing Kiel Stromgren, Executive Director of Mercy Retirement & Care Center. With a career rooted in healthcare, leadership, and service, Kiel brings a people-first approach to every aspect of community life, guided by a belief that meaningful relationships are at the heart of exceptional senior living.
For Kiel, the journey to senior living was a natural extension of a career centered on caring for others. After earning his degree in Communication from California State University, Monterey Bay, he built his professional foundation through leadership roles in healthcare and senior living, focusing on operations, care services, and team development.
Along the way, he discovered what makes senior living so unique.
“What ultimately drew me to senior living was the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives,” Kiel shares. “Senior living isn’t simply about providing a service. It’s about creating a place that people are proud to call home.”
That sense of purpose has guided him through every stage of his career. Over the years, Kiel has helped lead communities through periods of growth, major transitions, renovations, and even the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each experience strengthened his belief that great communities are built on trust, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to serving others.
When the opportunity arose to join Mercy Retirement & Care Center, Kiel saw tremendous potential.
“What attracted me to Mercy was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact,” he says. “I enjoy taking on challenges, building strong teams, and helping a community reach its full potential.”
What stood out most to him was Mercy’s ability to serve people in so many different ways. Beyond providing Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing services, Mercy is deeply connected to the surrounding community through outreach efforts such as its Brown Bag Program.
“Providing 11,000 bags of groceries each month to people in need is such an incredible example of the impact this organization has,” Kiel says.
It’s that broader sense of service that continues to inspire him every day. Even as the community continues to grow and evolve, he believes there is always an opportunity to improve, innovate, and elevate the experience for residents, families, and team members alike.
“Even when things are going well, I believe we should continue asking ourselves how we can make the resident experience better, how we can support our team more effectively, and how we can continue building a community that people are excited to be part of.”
For Kiel, Transforming Age’s values come to life not through words alone, but through daily actions. He believes an Executive Director plays an important role in setting the tone for the entire community by being present, listening, and treating every person with respect and kindness.
“I want residents and families to feel heard and know that their concerns matter,” he says. “I want team members to feel supported, respected, and proud of the work they do.”
His goal is for residents to experience a true sense of home, families to feel confidence and trust, and team members to find a culture where they can contribute, grow, and thrive.
That philosophy aligns closely with how Kiel views Transforming Age’s Culture of Excellence.
“A Culture of Excellence means that we don’t settle for ‘good enough,'” he explains. “It shows up in the details, from the way we care for our residents to the way we communicate with families and support one another as a team.”
He believes excellence requires both compassion and accountability. It means celebrating successes while remaining honest about opportunities for growth. It means setting clear expectations, investing in people, and providing teams with the support they need to succeed.
At the center of it all are relationships, which Kiel describes as one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.
Every resident has a story, a lifetime of experiences, and a unique perspective. Kiel values the opportunity to learn about those stories and build meaningful connections with the people who call Mercy home. He feels the same responsibility toward families, recognizing the trust they place in the community when choosing care for a loved one.
“Building that trust takes time, consistency, and communication,” he says.
His passion for helping people extends to team members as well. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed mentoring others, building leadership teams, and helping individuals recognize strengths they may not have seen in themselves.
“When team members feel empowered and supported, it creates a positive ripple effect throughout the entire community.”
Outside of Mercy, Kiel enjoys spending time with the people who matter most to him: his wife, Leizl, and their energetic five-year-old son, Leo. Whether they’re making family memories together, spending a day on the golf course, or cheering on the 49ers, Warriors, and A’s, family remains at the center of his life.
As residents, families, and team members continue getting to know him, Kiel hopes they understand one simple truth: his door is always open.
“I believe leadership starts with listening, and some of the best ideas and most meaningful conversations come from simply being present and taking the time to hear people.”
He also wants everyone connected to Mercy to know how much he values the trust they place in the community.
“Whether you’re a resident who calls our community home, a family member entrusting us with someone you love, or a team member who comes to work every day to make a difference, you are an important part of what makes this community special.”
That spirit of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement is helping shape the future of Mercy Retirement & Care Center. Under Kiel’s leadership, the focus remains on creating a community where people feel respected, supported, connected, and proud to belong.
We invite you to visit Mercy Retirement & Care Center, meet Kiel and the team, and experience firsthand the warmth, compassion, and sense of community that make Mercy such a special place. Whether you’re exploring senior living options, seeking care for a loved one, or simply looking to learn more about the services and support available, we’d love to welcome you. Schedule a tour today and discover what makes Mercy Retirement & Care Center a place so many are proud to call home.
📍 Community Website: Click Here
📞 Phone: 510-318-3983
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👉 Schedule a tour today and discover why so many residents and families trust Mercy Retirement & Care Center to be part of their journey.