Adrian Urena started as a Cook and built a path to leadership at Atria Rye Brook. Along the way, he discovered that the work offered something more – the chance to connect with residents and make a difference in their daily lives. His story shows how an entry-level job in senior living can grow into a career at Atria.
Adrian Urena’s career in senior living began in the kitchen – but it quickly grew into something much bigger.
Today, Adrian serves as Assistant Executive Director at Atria Rye Brook in Rye Brook, NY. His path from Cook to community leadership displays the kind of professional growth possible within Atria’s senior living communities.
“I started at Atria as a Cook almost 13 years ago. I worked up from that initial position to Assistant Head Chef, and I eventually became the Director of Culinary Services,” he recalls.
That steady progression through the culinary department helped Adrian build both technical expertise and leadership experience. Along the way, he took on new responsibilities and gained a broader understanding of how communities operate.
“I was also a Culinary Specialist for Atria for about a year,” Adrian remembers. In that role, Adrian traveled to different senior living communities to provide culinary training and support. The experience broadened his understanding of the company and allowed him to connect with kitchen teams at many communities.
Gaining purpose in the work
Before coming to Atria, Adrian worked in the restaurant industry. But he discovered that this setting offered something different.
“My entire career at Atria, I’ve always enjoyed communicating with residents. I have so much compassion for them, and I try to understand their unique experiences,” he says with a smile.
Those connections ultimately inspired Adrian to explore a path beyond the kitchen. Many team members find their roles evolve in similar ways across Atria communities.
“I would interact with residents as Head Chef, but I get to see them even more in my current position,” he says. “And now I have more ways to make their experience better, outside of the kitchen.”
A new chapter as Assistant Executive Director
When the Assistant Executive Director position became available at Atria Rye Brook, Adrian jumped at the chance to grow.
“I was a chef for a long time, and I loved it. But when my current position opened, I was looking for something different to branch out.”
Today, Adrian plays a key part in welcoming residents to the community and helping them feel comfortable in their new home. He guides them through their first days – explaining amenities, introducing programs and making sure they have a friendly face to turn to if they need help.
This is what he finds most fulfilling about his job.
“Now, residents can come to me for anything they need, and not just to offer culinary suggestions,” Adrian notes.
Growing while making a difference
Adrian’s journey shows how careers in senior living can evolve in meaningful ways. The skills he developed in culinary leadership – teamwork, organization and attention to residents’ needs – now support his work in community operations.
His culinary roots remain a defining part of his story. When asked if he still visits the kitchen at Atria Rye Brook, he smiles.
“Oh, yeah. I still go back there. Sometimes the cooks will have me taste soups or sauces. And one of our dishwashers still calls me ‘Chef.’”
For Adrian, the most rewarding part of the journey is knowing his work helps residents feel welcomed and supported. For those considering a career in senior living, his story is proof that the path forward can hold both career development and purpose.
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