At Village On The Isle (VOTI) in Venice, Florida, exceptional care and vibrant senior living are rooted in our mission to share God’s love by promoting individual growth and dignity, enhancing quality of life, and meeting the human and spiritual needs of residents, staff, and the broader community.

Living out that mission starts at the top with our leadership team- Doug Feller, CEO, and Kathi Rogers, CFO. Doug and Kathi have decades of combined senior living experience and bring thoughtful stewardship, financial integrity, and deep compassion to their roles.

We are proud to highlight them in this leadership spotlight and share more about their guiding philosophies, and the personal values that shape how they serve the VOTI community and live out our mission every day.

Experienced Leadership Focused on Long-Term Vision

How long have you been at VOTI, and what does your role entail?

Doug: I have been with Village On The Isle in Venice for 11 years, and it has truly been an honor. Before stepping into the CEO role, I served as Chief Operating Officer working alongside team members across various departments.

As CEO, my primary goal is ensuring we are positioned to thrive for another 45 years while delivering exceptional services to current residents. That means collaborating with our Board of Trustees, supporting leadership, overseeing financial health, and guiding strategic planning.

Kathi: I am in my 15th year at VOTI! It’s been a privilege to witness our growth, watch our mission come alive in bigger ways, and help elevate services for our residents. My role has evolved from managing daily financial operations to taking on a strategic, growth-oriented leadership role. While I oversee finance, reporting, and regulatory compliance, I focus heavily on moving our systems and organization into the future.

Mission-Driven Governance & Community Culture

VOTI is deeply rooted in ethical, mission-driven service. How do you keep that purpose at the center of your decision-making?

Doug: Whenever we evaluate a major initiative, we ask three standard questions:

• Will this improve the lives of our residents?
• Does it support and empower our employees?
• Does it strengthen our community for the future?

If the answer isn't a clear yes, we rethink our approach. Our leadership team and Board of Trustees balance thoughtful stewardship with true compassion, whether planning campus expansions or managing daily operations.

Kathi: Culture isn’t something you simply create - it’s something you feel. It is reflected in the hearts of our staff and woven into how we care for one another. That warmth and value system naturally radiates across our entire senior living community.

Doug, as CEO, how do you ensure VOTI employees feel connected to the mission?

Doug: We talk about “mission moments” within our leadership team meetings every week because it's the "why" behind everything we do. Whether we're welcoming a new employee, celebrating a team member's accomplishments, planning for the future of our campus, or caring for a resident, we try to connect those moments back to our purpose.

How do you model leadership by example every day?

Doug: Leadership is about setting the tone. For me, leading by example means being visible, approachable, and ready to serve alongside our staff. I never want to be removed from the daily pulse of our community.

Kathi: I always say, "We may not always get it right, but we will always make it right." Doing what’s right is a core value. If we are willing to do something special for one person, we should be willing to do it for everyone. Consistency, integrity, and compassion drive our actions.

Kathi, as CFO, how do finance and ethics intersect at Village On The Isle in Venice, Florida?

Kathi: Ethics always come before finance. As a non-profit that does not rely on government funding, every financial decision focuses on serving residents and preserving sustainability. We strategically plan 10 years and beyond to ensure future generations receive the quality, services, and home-like atmosphere our residents deserve.

Mutual Respect, Shared Passion, and Impactful Stories

What do you respect most about each other’s leadership style?

Kathi: I admire Doug’s down-to-earth personality, charisma, and flexibility. He prioritizes his family and values a healthy work-life balance, which sets a wonderful, supportive tone for our entire organization.

Doug: Kathi is transparent, authentic, and leads with total integrity. Beyond managing our financial strategy, she is steering the campus expansion project, helping lead our new satellite campus - Arbor Vita -finishing her MBA, and raising two incredible kids. Her ability to balance it all is inspiring.

Is there a recent moment that reminded you why you love working in senior living, and at VOTI specifically?

Doug: A couple of years ago, a beloved employee tragically passed away in a car accident. We stayed close with his family, and months later, his mother applied to work here because her son spoke so lovingly about VOTI. She has been on our team for two years now, and seeing her every day is a powerful reminder of what this community means to families.

Kathi: A new employee recently shared that within her first week, she felt completely "wrapped in arms" by the warmth of the staff and residents. Another long-time resident who recently lost her husband shared how grateful she was for the surrounding support, knowing she was right where she was meant to be. Moments like those make everything worthwhile.

Getting to Know Doug & Kathi Beyond VOTI

How do you like to spend your freetime?

Doug: Anything outdoors, especially if I can convince my kids to join me! On my bucket list is obtaining my Accelerated Free Fall license so I can skydive solo.

Kathi: I love fitness, outdoor activities, traveling, and exploring local cuisine. My favorite cruise destination so far is Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, though Costa Rica is at the top of my travel bucket list.

What is a fun or surprising fact about you?

Kathi: I am an identical twin, and I played basketball in college!

Doug: I have 12-year-old triplets - Eli, Davis, and Kennedy.

Doug, if you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?

Doug: Theodore Roosevelt. I’d love to hear his stories as one of America’s greatest outdoorsmen. His motto, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are," is something I carry with me every day.

Doug and Kathi’s leadership is a wonderful example of the passion that fuels Village On The Isle in Venice, Florida. We invite you to see this culture in action. Whether you are looking for a supportive community-driven senior living community, or a workplace where you can truly make a difference, there is a place for you in our family. Schedule a visit by calling (941) 202-4451.

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