Kevin Cheatham

Director of Buildings, Grounds and Support Services
Since 2020

Kevin joined St. James Place in September of 2021. He is responsible for the maintenance and upgrading of all buildings and grounds, and oversees an extensive scope of construction projects. In addition, he is responsible for the security personnel and systems for this 52 acre community.

Kevin has over 20 years of experience in complex maintenance and construction oversight, both in the military and private industry. He joined the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Crew Chief in 2003. He has been directly involved in complex maintenance for nearly 20 years, serving fulltime in the Air Force until 2016. In that time, he worked on A-10C and C-130J Aircraft, initially performing the maintenance, then moving into the management and coordination of preventative maintenance, maintenance repairs, and flight schedules. In 2016 he left fulltime military service when he was given the opportunity to move his family back home to become the Facility Maintenance Manager of Villa Feliciana Medical Complex. While there he managed the maintenance department, grounds upkeep, and operated as the Construction Project Manager for all manner of renovations, repair projects, and new builds.

Kevin continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Keesler AFB Mississippi with the U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunters. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Applied Technology with a Minor in Technical Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an Associate’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He has a heart for service and works to promote a positive fulfilling environment for everyone around him.

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Dick Wager

Dick Wager

President & CEO

Dick Wager, President/CEO of St. James Place, is responsible for leadership, management and daily operations of the Life Plan Community. He has 40-years of experience in a wide range of eldercare services, including retirement, assisted living, home health, pharmacy...

Thom Melancon, CPA

Thom Melancon, CPA

Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer

Thom Melancon is responsible for the executive oversight of the organization’s finance & accounting functions, as well as information systems. Thom also serves on the Finance Committee of St. James Place. Thom received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from...

Mike Champagne

Mike Champagne

Executive Director, Assisted Living & Memory Care – St. James Place

Mike Champagne is proud to serve as the Executive Director for Assisted Living and Memory Care at St. James Place. With over 15 years of experience in senior healthcare, Mike brings extensive leadership knowledge and a deep passion for enhancing the lives of older...

Trey Ashford

Trey Ashford

Director of Information Services

Trey Ashford has been with St. James Place since October 2010. Trey holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science from Louisiana State University with a Minor in Financial Accounting. His working background is in computer programming and computer...

Ellen Rooney

Ellen Rooney

Director of Compliance & Safety

Ellen joined the team at St. James Place in 2013. She had previously served in management positions for over 15 years and has over 18 years of service in the Episcopal Church. Her love of people drew her to Human Resources, where she is in charge of the Compliance...

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St. James Place is proud to be named a 2025 Best Independent Living community by U.S. News & World Report. We also received two Emblem Awards for high performing scores in Food & Dining and Activities & Enrichment.

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