LCS CEO Joel Nelson has announced he will step down from his role at the end of the year after more than 40 years with the Des Moines-based senior living provider. Chris Bird, LCS president and chief operating officer, will be promoted to president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2025. “Chris is exceptionally qualified to lead LCS through our next chapter of growth,” Nelson said in a prepared statement. “One of the key decision points when we hired Chris seven years ago was his belief and commitment to the LCS culture and values.” Nelson will continue to serve as chairman of the LCS Board and as a member of the company’s Investment Committee. He will also complete his remaining term on the Argentum board of directors. Nelson started his career in the senior living industry at LCS Operations in 1986 in various officer and executive-level positions. He was selected to launch a new company, LCS Real Estate, in 2011 and was promoted to president and chief operating officer in 2015. He became CEO in 2018, the fourth to lead the company since its founding in 1971. The LCS family of companies serves the senior housing industry through management, development, real estate, group purchasing and insurance.