The Pennant Group Finalizes CFO Search, Names Lynette Walbom To The Role

The Pennant Group Inc. (Nasdaq: PNTG) has named Lynette Walbom as its new CFO, effective immediately.

Walbom was previously the VP of financial reporting and tax for Raising Cane’s Restaurants.

“I am thrilled to be joining The Pennant Group at such an exciting time in its history,” Walbom said in a statement. “I was drawn to Pennant by its culture, mission and people. Pennant has a track record of operational excellence, a strong history of growth, and compelling opportunities ahead.”

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The Eagle, Idaho-based Pennant is a holding company of independent home health and hospice agencies, as well as senior living communities. In total, its network includes 97 home health and hospice agencies and 51 senior living communities across 14 states.

During Walbom’s tenure at Raising Cane’s, the company doubled in size. Specifically, she was responsible for financial reporting, acquisitions, tax, accounting systems and equity management. Prior to her time there, she was the CFO of a “a family office with investments in companies in several industries, including financial services, computer services, real estate development and franchising,” according to Pennant.

“Lynette is an exceptionally talented individual who will have an immediate positive impact on Pennant,” Pennant CEO Brent Guerisoli said in a statement. “She has a track record of building strong teams capable of supporting dynamic growth and improving processes to drive efficiency. Lynette emerged from a comprehensive search process as a result of her character, competence and clear connection to our culture and unique operating model.”

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Pennant has seen a lot of shake up to its leadership team of late. In March, Barry Smith was named chairman of the board and Guerisoli was named a member of the board. Guerisoli was named CEO of the company last June after Daniel Walker retired from the role.

The company announced it was initiating a search for a new CFO and chief investment officer in November. Jennifer Freeman served as the interim CFO in the meantime. Derek Bunker resigned from the position officially on Dec. 31.

Freeman will now become the SVP of strategic partnerships for Pennant.

“[Walbom] comes highly recommended by members of our Board who have worked directly with her for many years,” Guerisoli continued. “We are confident that Lynette will help us continue to develop a world-class finance team, and that she will quickly earn the trust and confidence of all stakeholders, including employees, payors, shareholders and others.”

Despite numerous leadership changes, Pennant has performed well of late. In the first quarter, the company hit an all-time high in its home health patient census.

In the first quarter, Pennant’s total revenue for Q1 was $126.5 million, an 11% year-over-year increase. Its home health and hospice services segment revenue was $91.1 million, good for a 13.2% year-over-year increase.

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