Babbling Brook readers, we are so excited to introduce you to Willow Brook’s new CEO, Troy McKnight! Many of you have heard that Troy comes to us from Christian Care Communities and Services in Fort Worth, Texas, a faith-based senior living not-for-profit much like Willow Brook. And while his education and experience are important (for more on Troy’s credentials and education, click here), we were really interested in Troy as a regular guy—a husband, a dad, a follower of Christ, and our new leader.
So who is the man behind the job title? We sat down with him and are happy to share our learnings with you. Troy will be spending time at each of our three campuses on a weekly basis, so if you are working or visiting, be sure to say hello if you run into him. We had a lot of fun talking to him and think our mini-interview will give you some insight into Willow Brook’s new CEO.
Family: Troy is married to Lindsey and they have three children: Ella, 18; Cason, 10; and Everly, 8. Their family also includes Mack, a four-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever. Lindsey and the kids are in Texas to finish Ella’s senior year of high school, and will then be joining Troy in Ohio. They are still house-hunting and are hoping for a mid-summer move. Lindsey is an elementary school teacher, but will be focusing on getting the family settled as they adjust to a new city, new schools, her husband’s new job, new neighbors, having their eldest in college, and all the rest. Whew!
How being at Willow Brook is a “God Thing”: “When I was first approached about the position, I said ‘no way.’ My family will not want to move to Ohio. How can I fill the shoes of a legend? So I called my brother Todd, a mentor to me, and asked him what he thought. He said, ‘You really need to consider this. God put this in front of you. And, this will be the greatest faith journey of your life.’ So I got quiet with it, I prayed about it, and told myself if a door opened, I would walk through it and take a step. And if another door opened, I would take step. If doors opened, I would keep taking steps. There have not been any closed doors. They have all been steps of faith and that has been this process. God made it obvious…I had to get out of the boat. I was nice and comfortable in my little boat in Texas, and God came to me and said, ‘Get out of the boat.’ And here I am. I’ve never had this depth, this magnitude, of a faith experience. ”
Interests and Hobbies: Troy is a diehard Denver Broncos fan (yes, if you’re a Browns fan, we know this news is painful). Troy grew up in Colorado and still has a place in his heart for that state (more on this in a minute). Outdoor activities like snowskiing, waterskiing, and boating also make the list. He and his family are looking forward to exploring their new surroundings and all the things to see and do in central Ohio.
The perfect weekend: “I would love a weekend in the Colorado mountains, summer or winter. I would fly fish, hike, ski, and take in the scenery.”
Bucket List travel destinations: The Holy Land, Scotland, and “a remote beach far, far away” with his wife, who loves the beach.
Peculiar things about Ohio (so far): “People here run outside in the freezing cold. Nuts! It will take me some time to adjust to the temperature and the cloudy days. I have a new appreciation for grey.”
What he’ll miss most about Texas: Craft barbeque, especially Rudy’s; his church home; being close to his wife Lindsey’s extended family.
What he WON’T miss about Texas: The all-day humid heat. “I don’t think people realize that when you go to bed at night, it’s 85 degrees. Then you wake up the next day and it hits 100F or higher. There’s no escape from the heat!”
His greatest life lessons so far: Always be a student; never stop learning; and never stop praying. “Stay on your knees.”
Troy’s leadership philosophy: “It takes a team. Everyone on the team has equal value. For a team to be the best, they have to be servant-minded. Servant leadership is ultimately my style of leadership.”
The people who have had the greatest impact on his life: “My dad and two brothers. All three have shaped me.”
Afterword: Readers, pipe in: what places would you suggest that Troy and his family visit in Delaware and Columbus when they are together this summer? What events should he take in? What are some restaurants or outdoor attractions that he’d love to explore? Please share in the comments or on the Facebook page!
One thought on “Introducing Troy McKnight”
Hello Troy,
Welcome to Willow Brook. Ed and I enjoy Delaware County’s parks, in particular their walking trails. Our two favorites are Deer Haven Park on Liberty Road, and Gallant Woods Park about 5 miles northwest from the Village.