Angela Hospice CEO Announces December Retirement; Successor Named

Angela Hospice CEO Announces December Retirement; Successor Named

Detroit, MI-

In an unprecedented move for Angela Hospice, President, and CEO Marti Coplai has officially announced plans to retire at the end of the year. Taking the helm in her stead will be the organization’s current Executive Director, Jamie LaLonde, who will assume the position concurrently with Coplai’s departure.

Marti Coplai’s Successful Tenure

During her tenure, Marti Coplai has played a pivotal role in shaping Angela Hospice’s growth trajectory and mission of serving with love. She joined the organization’s ranks in 2015 as Executive Director, before graduating to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer four years later, in March 2019. Throughout her stint, Coplai has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives that have propelled Angela Hospice to its current standing and simultaneously paved the path for a sustainable future.

Under her versed leadership, Angela Hospice broadened its service reach to include North Oakland County. In addition to offering a 15-bed hospice residence at Lourdes Senior Community, engagement with the community has further been fortified through grief support groups and educational outreach programs.

Jamie LaLonde: The Chosen Successor

Jamie LaLonde’s journey with Angela Hospice began in May 2021, when she assumed the role of Director of the Angela First Care Program. Within less than a year, her expertise and commitment secured her the respected position of Executive Director, in January 2022.

Her roots in hospice and palliative care services extend back to her time with Glacier Hills Retirement Community, where she thrived as an administrator of memory care and resident services. LaLonde also lends her knowledge as an adjunct lecturer with the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Reflecting on her upcoming transition, LaLonde says, “For almost 40 years, Angela Hospice has been a community resource that has helped countless people and their families walk the journey through the end of life experience and beyond. I feel fortunate to have earned the opportunity to be part of its continuing legacy and lead this organization into the future.”

At Angela Hospice, she spearheaded the design of the current Palliative Care Program structure and led the daily operations of the organization to achieve a 4-star hospice status rating. This prestigious recognition was granted by none other than the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Driven by her experience leading multi-level, multi-license senior living communities, LaLonde is keen on exploiting her new position to augment Angela Hospice’s in-patient, at home hospice, educational, and grief care services.

A New Era for Angela Hospice

With Coplai’s impending retirement and LaLonde’s impending succession, Angela Hospice prepares to enter a new era steeped in its tradition of offering compassionate end-of-life care. Under LaLonde’s leadership, stakeholders can anticipate an exciting phase of growth and service expansion, fortified by her expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication.