225-215-4500

Dick Wager

President & CEO
Since 2021

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 and skilled nursing facilities. Previously Mr. Wager was president of one of the largest long-term care companies in the country. He also founded two healthcare companies that provided services nationally. He is fellow of the American College of Administrators and licensed as a nursing home administrator in several states. Mr. Wager is a long-time member of the Rotary Club and is a member, along with his wife, Judy, of Christ the King Catholic church in Baton Rouge.

More Team Members

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...

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...

Tonya Dixon

Tonya Dixon

Director of Active Lifestyles

Tonya Dixon joined St. James Place in April 2014 and serves as the Director of Active Lifestyles. She oversees several different divisions of campus activity including Transportation, the Wellness Center, the Concierge Desks, and the Salon. She sells Assisted Living...

Judy Perry

Judy Perry

Director of Sales for Independent Living

Judy came to St. James Place in August 2014 with more than 30 years of sales and sales management experience. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management & Finance. Her previous sales experience includes retail...