Tom Henning – Westminster Canterbury Richmond

Westminster Canterbury Richmond has long stood as a beacon of excellence in senior care, pioneering a comprehensive and resident-focused approach since its founding in 1971. As one of the first Richmond-area retirement communities to earn accreditation from the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (now CARF-CCAC), it has maintained that distinction continuously since 1987, a feat achieved by fewer than 15 percent of all continuing-care retirement communities in America.

Behind its continued evolution is a dedicated team committed to ensuring residents experience the highest level of comfort, care, and community. At the heart of that team is Tom Henning, the Director of Construction Management, whose servant leadership and commitment to excellence have helped elevate Westminster Canterbury Richmond’s reputation and facilities.

Henning is not just a construction leader; he is a builder of relationships, teams, and experiences. His approach to construction management is deeply rooted in servant leadership. He emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships with his team, the broader organization, vendors, and, most importantly, the residents. He believes that by empowering those around him, he creates an environment where people can thrive and the organization can continue to meet the growing needs of its residents.

The senior living industry is at an important juncture, with people living longer and requiring more specialized care. Westminster Canterbury Richmond is addressing these challenges head-on with a major $200 million expansion project that Henning has led. The expansion, set to be ready for resident turnover by the end of November, reflects the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and forward-thinking development.

The Village Apartments, a key component of the project, consists of four independent living apartment buildings, each housing approximately 20 units with parking underneath. Additionally, a new nine-story tower with 43 units—seven per floor—will serve as a modern addition to the campus, with administrative offices located at its base.

Beyond living spaces, the expansion is designed to enhance residents’ overall well-being by providing state-of-the-art amenities. Henning’s team has prioritized the creation of a fitness and wellness hub that includes indoor pickleball courts, a fitness center with weight machines, and two pools—a lap pool and a therapy pool—along with a jacuzzi tub. Residents will also have access to an indoor track and dedicated spaces for exercise classes, stretching, yoga, and ballet.

In addition, the community will feature a new beauty salon, barber shop, theater, and massage therapy rooms, further enriching the quality of life for its residents. Henning’s success in managing large-scale projects is not new. Shortly after joining Westminster Canterbury Richmond, he took on complex projects, such as revitalizing building facades, replacing the exterior skin of a tower, and adding a roof terrace to enhance the community’s shared spaces. His ability to lead these initiatives effectively positioned him as the natural choice to spearhead the current expansion.

His leadership style is centered around a philosophy that great teams make great projects. He takes immense pride in the team he has assembled and believes in hiring people who share a commitment to excellence. His approach is simple: hire great people who do good work and trust them to execute. His focus on mentorship ensures that his team members continuously grow professionally and personally. He often asks them what they’ve learned at the end of each day, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.

Henning also places great emphasis on building strong relationships with contractors. Over the years, he has cultivated a network of trusted professionals who operate like a family, understanding the intricacies of working in an environment where residents’ comfort and daily routines must remain undisturbed. This emphasis on teamwork ensures that construction projects progress efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of care for residents.

His ability to bring people together extends beyond the organization. As the senior living industry prepares for a surge in demand due to increased life expectancy, Henning and his team have embraced a consultative role, leveraging their expertise to assist other communities in enhancing their senior care offerings. Repurposing aging buildings and adapting them to the evolving needs of senior residents is a significant challenge but one that Henning is uniquely equipped to tackle. His vision extends beyond Westminster Canterbury Richmond—he wants to contribute to raising the overall standard of senior care facilities across the industry.

Henning’s background is as diverse as it is impressive. A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, he credits his military experience with shaping his leadership style. His career has spanned multiple industries, including hospitality and sports venue construction, experiences that have reinforced his belief in prioritizing customer experience above all else. No matter the industry, his guiding principle remains the same: take care of the customer by understanding their needs and ensuring they receive the best possible service.

That same philosophy applies to his work at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. At the core of every project is a desire to create an environment where residents can truly live life well. Whether overseeing the development of a new facility or ensuring a smooth renovation process, Henning approaches his work with the perspective of those who will be most impacted. He recognizes that for residents and their families, the community is more than just a place to live—it is home. His role is not just about building structures but about enhancing lives.

Despite his demanding role, Henning maintains a well-rounded life outside of work. He enjoys golfing and staying active through participating in F3, a group focused on fitness, fellowship, and faith. His dedication to family is also evident—his daughter is currently attending Virginia Tech, while his son is considering a path in the military. His personal life reflects the values that define his professional approach: commitment, leadership, and a focus on meaningful relationships.

Henning has also built a reputation for trust and reliability. Colleagues and vendors know that if they get a call from him, it means business. His straightforward, results-driven approach and ability to foster genuine connections make him an invaluable leader at Westminster Canterbury Richmond and in the senior living industry.

As Westminster Canterbury Richmond continues to evolve and prepare for the future, Henning’s leadership ensures that every step forward is taken with the residents’ well-being at the forefront. His expertise, dedication, and servant leadership have set a benchmark for how construction management can play a pivotal role in elevating senior care. Through his work, he is not just constructing buildings—he is helping to build a brighter, more comfortable, and more enriching future for the community he serves.