Front Porch executives enrolled in innovative training program

To better meet the needs of an ever-aging population, Front Porch has become the first not-for-profit services organization to enroll its leadership team in the groundbreaking Innovator's Accelerator program developed by San Francisco-based Apollo Lightspeed. Seventy Front Porch executives will be enrolled in this intensive six-week, online training program that uses a combination of interactive content, real-world examples and team projects to increase innovation skills. 

As a support system for a family of companies that serve individuals and families through full-service retirement, active adult communities and affordable housing communities that offer a full range of options from independent living to continuing care—including memory support, Burbank, Calif.-based Front Porch prides itself on embracing innovative methods to meet future challenges. "As dynamic disruptive forces weigh in from all directions, our non-profit organization must passionately and positively embrace change and opportunity at every turn. We need every mind and every discipline within our organization engaged in this process. While we have celebrated many innovation moments and great accomplishments, we can’t sit still," said Front Porch CEO Gary Wheeler. 

Kari Olson, chief innovation and technology officer for Front Porch and president of the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing, said the organization chose the Innovator's Accelerator program because it encourages high collaboration across a distributed workforce in such a way that executives can apply these skills on-the-job. “We believe its unique dual focus on how an individual and an organization can inspire innovation gives us a common vision and language across our leadership that will have a profound impact as we teach our emerging leaders the skills they need to create an immediate and transformational future for both Front Porch and those we serve.”

Enrolling the first non-profit organization in its training program also is a coup for Apollo Lightspeed, said George Lichter, chief operating officer and chief product officer. “We consider Front Porch an innovative leader in the non-profit sector. To date, we have had leaders from start-ups to major global for-profit companies benefit from our training. It is a privilege to work with a non-profit organization like Front Porch that embodies the passion and courage for innovation."