MEET THE FLEET LANDING LEADERSHIP TEAM
So much of what happens at Fleet Landing on a daily basis is thanks to the efforts of many people working together as a team. This includes our leadership team, of course, but it also includes each and every team member who pays attention to the details and goes the extra mile to serve a Resident, to assist a coworker or to do something outside of their job description just because they see that it needs to be done. When a team member knows your name, asks about your grandchildren, remembers how you like your eggs cooked or chats with you about your hobbies, it’s not because they are required to do so — it’s because they genuinely care.
To learn more about Life Care and senior living options at Fleet Landing, schedule a visit or meet with a member of our leadership team — please call (904) 748-2252.
Joshua Ashby
Chief Executive Officer
Josh’s leadership and commitment to the mission of Fleet Landing have solidified the organization as a top Life Care community in the country and premier choice for health services in Northeast Florida. Josh is a highly analytic thinker, and his vision has expanded Fleet Landing’s impact through the creation of new service lines, including Fleet Landing Home Health, and the opening of the Beacon Pointe expansion.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in health sciences and Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida, Josh joined the Fleet Landing team in 2005 as director of health care services. He was named CEO in 2010. Josh is past chair of LeadingAge Florida, a statewide association whose mission is to advance the possibilities for aging through service, education and advocacy. He also serves on the board of the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville and is a member of the University of North Florida Brooks College of Health Dean’s Advisory Council.
Josh’s passion for serving older adults began at a young age as a volunteer at Jacksonville’s River Garden Hebrew Home. He most enjoys interacting with such a wide variety of people with fascinating backgrounds and a genuine desire to do good in the world. When not at work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Stefani, and their three children.
Cynthia Hack
Controller
Cynthia oversees Fleet Landing’s business office and financial operations, including the Beacon Pointe expansion. Since joining the team in 2012, Cynthia has been responsible for all accounting functions at Fleet Landing, including accounts payable and accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance. She loves the challenge that comes with each day and enjoys making complex financial information understandable for everyone.
A Jacksonville resident for more than 30 years, Cynthia earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida. When she’s not crunching numbers at her desk in the Coleman Center or having a conversation with staff or residents, you can find Cynthia on the tennis court; having fun with her husband, children and grandchildren; or getting involved with her church community.
Brian Weiss
Chief Operating Officer
Brian Weiss joined Fleet Landing in 2021 after 27 years of dedicated naval service, retiring as the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Jacksonville. His many years of command and diverse experience in leading large organizations in a wide array of public services has prepared him for his new role as Chief Operating Officer.
A Florida native, Brian graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University on a NROTC scholarship and subsequently received a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College. After commissioning, he attended flight school, and then served in a variety of operational and staff positions world-wide, to include leading the World-Famous Golden Eagles of Patrol Squadron 9 stationed out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Brian is drawn to Fleet Landing by its strong sense of community and commitment to enriching lives. He feels extremely lucky to be part of a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and the unique opportunities his position offers to enhance Resident life. In his free time, Brian enjoys biking, traveling, and spending time with his three children and three dogs.
Marc Cantu
Senior Director of Campus Operations
Marc Cantu joined the Fleet Landing team in March 2024. He leads the Campus Operations team, which includes Interior and Exterior Maintenance, Remodeling, Safety and Security, and Housekeeping.
A Houston area native, Marc attended Texas A&M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets on an NROTC Scholarship before pursuing a career in Naval Aviation. Though his 26-year Navy career has sent him to both coasts and deployments around the world, Jacksonville has always been the family's true home.
Having held command at multiple levels, Marc brings decades of leadership and management experience to the Fleet Landing Operations team. He is especially proud of being the first Commanding Officer of a brand-new squadron and completing his Navy career with a successful assignment as the Commanding Officer of NAS Jacksonville.
He is especially appreciative and proud of the camaraderie across the Fleet Landing team and their unwavering dedication to our Residents.
Marc and his wife have three children and one dog, who is a very good boy.
Julia Pratt
Senior Director of Health Care Services
Julia oversees the Derfer Healthcare Pavilion, The Therapy Center, Leeward Manor, Nancy House, and Fleet Landing Home Health. She has worked in senior living in a variety of settings for more than 20 years. Her passion for ensuring that all individuals have the highest level of participation in life has strongly influenced her career.
Julia graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. She serves multiple organizations that focus on promoting rights for seniors in our community, including her role as regional director for the Florida Assisted Living Association. For Julia, being part of a family that cares for those we serve is the reason she looks forward to coming to work each day.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Julia met her husband of 29 years in the Air Force. They moved to Florida to attend UNF and have raised two daughters here. When Julia isn’t doting on family, she enjoys reading, baking and going to Disney.
Michele Holley
Senior Director of Human Resources
Michele leads Fleet Landing’s trailblazing team member recruitment and retention efforts. She believes that workforce is the critical ingredient in delivering high-quality Resident experiences. Michele joined the Fleet Landing team in 2015 and brings with her almost 20 years of experience in human resources.
Michele graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in hotel and restaurant management. She is a certified senior professional in human resources, and she was awarded Chicago’s Regional Manager of the Year by the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.
When not working to recruit and retain the best talent, Michele enjoys spending time with her family. Her two children keep her busy with basketball and flag football games, jiujitsu matches, music lessons, and more. Michele and family enjoy living at the beach and love to explore the Greater Jacksonville area.
April Morin
Senior Director of Sales and Marketing
April is responsible for developing and implementing sales and marketing initiatives for Fleet Landing, including the Beacon Pointe expansion and the impactful Resident Ambassador Program. She has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit continuing care retirement communities across the country in a variety of roles.
A Richmond, Virginia, native, April is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work and a certificate in gerontology. She is passionate about sharing the story of successful aging, which she sees firsthand every day in the lives of Residents. Outside of her career, April enjoys traveling, rooting for her favorite sports teams, and spending time exploring the beaches of Jacksonville with her husband and two dogs.
Kathy DeSiena
Director of Charitable Gifts
Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Kathy graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BA in Communications. She moved to Jacksonville to intern with the City of Jacksonville’s Special Events Department, where she continued to work for many years. After that she began a career in development and fundraising with several non-profit organizations including Children’s Miracle Network, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, and the Salvation Army.
Kathy has served here at Fleet Landing for over a decade, first as a member of the Wellness team and most recently, the Sales and Marketing. Through her experience, she has seen the Mission of Fleet Landing realized first hand. As Director of Planned Giving, she enjoys working with Residents to support Fleet Landing’s philanthropic endeavors. Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and being involved in her church community.