For the first time in A.G. Rhodes’ history, all three administrators leading the A.G. Rhodes Homes are Black women. As Black History Month comes to a close—and as we look forward to celebrating Women’s History Month and Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week in March—we share a little more about our administrators and why they pursued their callings to serve in long-term care.
Loretta Barnes
Administrator, A.G. Rhodes Atlanta
After Loretta’s beloved grandfather died in 1976, her mother encouraged her to channel her grief into something positive, so she went to a nearby Atlanta nursing home and after two days of volunteering, Loretta was offered a part-time job in the activities department. That began her nearly 50-year career working in long-term care. She’s held various positions and in 1984, she received her administrator’s license; she’s been in that role since.
Today, Loretta is the administrator of A.G. Rhodes Atlanta, but when she first joined the organization in 2022, she was hired as the administrator of its Cobb location and had intended to end her career there and retire. Several months after Loretta retired, the administrator position at A.G. Rhodes Atlanta became open. Loretta stepped in as an interim administrator and after several months—and after it was clear that Loretta still enjoyed doing what she loves—she decided to come out of retirement and assume the administrator position permanently at Atlanta.
Not long ago, Loretta was featured in THIS article in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Losing her granddaddy brought her to her life’s passion, highlighting her exceptional service.
- What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud of the number of young administrators that I have mentored as a Preceptor or as newly licensed administrators, including A.G. Rhodes Cobb’s administrator, Jovonne Harvey. - What legacy do you hope to leave in your professional and personal life?
I always aim to leave each community and organization where I’ve worked better than when I started there. - In celebrating Black History Month, who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My dear friend, the late Tama Douglas, was an Administrator who was ahead of her time. Well before the Eden Alternative was widely known and adopted, she modeled person-directed care with her approach in treating each member of the staff as a stakeholder and creating home-like environments for our elders. - For the first time at A.G. Rhodes, all three administrators are Black women; what significance does that hold for you?
I am proud to be a part of this distinguished trio. We all have different strengths in many areas, and we feel comfortable tapping into each other and drawing on these strengths.
Jovonne Harvey
Administrator, A.G. Rhodes Cobb
Jovonne has been working in long-term care for 18 years. After working in Admissions and Marketing for 17 years—13 of which was at A.G. Rhodes Atlanta in Grant Park—Jovonne decided to pursue her administrator’s license. When current A.G. Rhodes Atlanta Administrator and former Cobb Administrator Loretta Barnes originally decided to retire, she trained Jovonne who was promoted to the Administrator position at Cobb in 2024.
- What inspired you to pursue a career in long-term care?
I wanted to be a positive and trusting source for our community. Families—particularly in the African American community—historically took care of their aging loved ones at home. With people now working longer, that’s not possible for many families. Long-term care communities are a necessity and it’s rewarding to me that I can assure families that A.G. Rhodes is a loving and trusted option for their aging loved ones. - What’s your favorite part of the job?
Getting to know staff and elders. It’s important that I’m visible and approachable, and that I build relationships with staff across all departments. There isn’t one staff member who I don’t know and if I don’t recognize someone, I stop and introduce myself. It’s important that my team knows how much I value them, and one of the ways I do that is to take the time to get to know them. It’s equally important for me to get to know our elders and show them that I’m their advocate. - What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of the progress I have made in my career and of the number of families and elders I’ve helped by welcoming them to A.G. Rhodes. There were times when I doubted if I could fill the shoes of the ones before me as Administrator, but I know growth is an uncomfortable process and it’s not supposed to be easy. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity, and I wake up every morning grateful that I can bring hope to the lives of those who live here. - What legacy do you hope to leave in your professional and personal life?
I want to leave a legacy of being compassionate, consistent, and fair. I believe in the work that I do, and I want that to shine through daily. - In celebrating Black History Month, who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
Michelle Obama has been an inspiration through her achievements, resilience, and advocacy. She speaks openly about overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, reminding young Black women that they belong in every space they enter. She draws your attention every time she speaks because it’s always with confidence and power. Michelle Obama’s success proves that young Black women such as myself can aspire to leadership positions in any field. - For the first time at A.G. Rhodes, all three administrators are Black women; what significance does that hold for you?
It is so inspiring to see how far we have come as Black women in this industry. I hope that I inspire others to always strive to be great and believe in the work you are doing. When you stay strong and true to your beliefs, then you have no choice but to be great!
Latasha D. Ward, RN, MSN
Administrator, A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods
When Latasha Ward entered the long-term care field in 1997, she did so a direct caregiver—a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). While a student performing her clinicals in various healthcare settings, she was drawn to working around elders. Now more than 25 years later, Latasha has served in various positions that have primed her for leadership. In addition to LPN charge nurse, wound care nurse, supervisor, Director of Nursing and Nursing Administrator, Latasha also went back to school to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and also earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). She has been the Administrator of A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods for a year and a half.
- What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is seeing the quality care that my staff provides when our elders smile and voice their gratitude and love. - What are you most proud of in your career?
The proudest moment I have experienced so far is when my elders tell me that they like the positive direction and changes that have occurred since I’ve assumed my current position. - What legacy do you hope to leave in your professional and personal life?
In my personal life, I want my children to see that with any career path they choose, it requires hard work, dedication and love. In my professional life, I hope to continue to positively influence the professionals and students I mentored throughout my career. - In celebrating Black History Month, who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
The Afro-American person that inspires me is Michelle Obama. One of her quotes that resonates with me is, “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam the door behind you.” As leaders, we should always be helping others and lifting them up. - For the first time at A.G. Rhodes, all three administrators are Black women; what significance does that hold for you?
I am honored to be the first Afro-American female to lead A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods as the Administrator. I am also proud to be part of such a great sisterhood of leaders with Loretta and Jovonne. We bounce ideas off of each other and when needed, we talk through stressful situations and offer each other advice and a listening ear.
Jovonne Harvey, Latasha Ward, Loretta Barnes
February 2025