Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame today announced that Brandon Kastner has been named President & Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025. Kastner previously served as Vice President of Holy Cross Village and brings a mission-driven, resident-centered approach to leading the only Catholic continuing care retirement community in the area. The appointment affirms his ability to advance the Village’s work of providing exceptional care across the continuum while deepening the community’s identity, rooted in Holy Cross spirituality and hospitality.
Brandon’s connection to Holy Cross Village began long before his professional leadership. As a young boy, he volunteered at the Village, assisting Brother Pedro Haering, C.S.C., on his radio show and helping him to sort records as well as other responsibilities. This early experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for the Village’s mission and community, which he now carries forward as its President and CEO.
“Brandon has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a profound commitment to our mission, and a steady hand across the continuum of care,” said Brother Chester Freel, C.S.C., Chair of the Holy Cross Village Board of Directors. “The Board offers its enthusiastic support—naming him President and CEO is both fitting and proper. We are confident in his ability to lead this institution forward with integrity, compassion, and vision.”
Kastner’s professional experience spans nationally respected continuing care retirement communities and faith-based organizations. At Holy Cross Village, he has advanced resident-centered programs, strengthened staff engagement, and cultivated strategic partnerships and community outreach. Prior to returning to the Village, he served as Executive Director at Dock Woods within Living Branches Community, overseeing operations serving approximately 1,000 senior adults and families, including 200 HUD housing units, while supporting and developing a large and diverse staff team. He previously led licensed healthcare, assisted living, and an onsite clinic at Kendal at Lexington as Health Facility Administrator, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and championing resident choice. Earlier in his career, as Associate Executive Director at Glenaire within The Presbyterian Homes Inc., he directed an $8 million healthcare renovation that implemented a nationally recognized household model and advanced staff well-being, recognition, and autonomy. His work at Hickory Creek Healthcare Foundation focused on compassionate care for seniors with physical and intellectual disabilities and achieved regional leadership in staff retention, financial performance, and census development.
Kastner holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Grace College, and a B.S. in History from Manchester College. He is an Indiana-licensed Health Facility Administrator and contributed to the field through service on LeadingAge education committees in North Carolina, Virginia, and Indiana. He is a CARF Accreditation Surveyor (2020–present) and a published contributor to McKnight’s Senior Living. His professional development includes fellowships with the LeadingAge NC Leadership Academy and the Cary Chamber of Commerce Leadership program.
“I am honored and truly thrilled to be the President and CEO of Holy Cross Village,” said Brandon Kastner. “Our community is energized by Holy Cross spirituality and hospitality, and I’m committed to advancing resident-centered programs, strengthening our partnerships, deepening community partnerships, and empowering our remarkable staff. “Together, we will steward the Village into the future—further deepening our mission, continuing as a leader in our industry, and elevating the experience for every resident we are privileged to serve.”
Kastner follows in the footsteps of his father, Steve Kastner, who served as President/CEO of Holy Cross Village from 2000 to 2010, reflecting a legacy of leadership dedicated to faith, service, and community.
About Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame
Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (Life Plan Community) sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross and welcoming people of all faiths. The Village offers a full continuum of care—independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing—within a community rooted in faith, learning, and service.
Located within the tri-campus community of the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and Holy Cross College, Holy Cross Village offers residents a truly unique zip code that provides access to all the cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities these renowned institutions have to offer. From lectures and performances to athletic events and spiritual enrichment, residents enjoy an environment that fosters lifelong learning and vibrant engagement.