Staff Profile: Jennifer Porr, Assistant Director of Facilities

Assistant Director of Facilities Jennifer Porr arrived at Cypress Cove with outstanding credentials, and she continues to pursue excellence in everything she does. The secret to this rising leader’s success? Attitude! “You have the power to make every day a great day by maintaining a positive attitude, regardless of the challenges the day may bring,” she said.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Jennifer has worked in the facilities and environmental services field for nearly 20 years, managing maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services, grounds operations and various waste streamlines. Prior to Cypress Cove, she worked at West Point Military Academy as environmental services director for Keller Army Community Hospital and for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. as assistant project manager.

Jennifer started working at Cypress Cove in 2014. “I fell in love with this beautiful community from day one and truly have enjoyed working with our wonderful residents and staff,” she said. “Having experienced the changes and growth of the community over the last eight years and knowing that there are many more on the horizon makes me very proud to be a part of this organization.”

One reason why Cypress Cove is a good fit for Jennifer is because the company’s values align with her own. “My greatest sense of fulfillment comes from making a difference in someone’s life every day,” she said. “I have developed a great passion for what I do, and my focus has always been around people.”

Jennifer truly appreciates Cypress Cove’s outstanding operations and culture. “Exceeding our residents’ expectations and maintaining their satisfaction is of utmost importance to me,” she shared. “I could not accomplish this without the compassionate and dedicated employees I am fortunate to work with.” She loves that the company’s culture is family-oriented and friendly, and notes that the leadership team is very supportive.

Jennifer has established an excellent rapport with staff in and beyond her department. “Their personal and professional well-being matters to me,” she said. “The facilities team is always flexible, especially when unexpected demands are placed on the department. Everyone takes so much pride in the services they provide to the residents. To me, that speaks volumes. I see it firsthand every day!”

Cypress Cove has a lot to offer employees who wish to advance their career, according to Jennifer. “There are not too many workplaces I’ve known that invest so much in their employees,” she said. “The tuition reimbursement program is one of the best resources available to the staff.”

Jennifer is grateful to Cypress Cove’s supportive programs for contributing towards the completion of her bachelor’s degree in business management, as well as several certification programs. She never stops learning and seeking knowledge. “I am a person who enjoys professional development and will always push myself to excel,” she said. “I utilize the full range of my capabilities to help contribute significantly to the ongoing success of the team and remain committed to working above and beyond the responsibilities of my position.”

By furthering her education and acquiring new certifications, Jennifer has grown her career rapidly at Cypress Cove. Starting as environmental services manager in 2014, Jennifer was promoted to facilities manager in 2020, and then to her current position as assistant director earlier this year. “I have always been open to career growth and advancement opportunities, and, therefore, I’m excited about my future at Cypress Cove,” Jennifer stated.

Jennifer continues, “I never want to find myself in a situation where I feel like there is nothing left to learn or achieve. Leaving work each day satisfied that I’ve learned something new or useful counts as success to me.”

Jennifer’s certifications include the following:

• Certified Environmental Services Executive, IEHA – A Division of ISSA
• Certified Pool/Spa Operator, National Swimming Pool Foundation
• HVAC Technician EPA Universal Certification, Mainstream Engineering Corporation
• Certified Guest Service Professional, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
• International Certified Food Safety Manager, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
• Handling & Transportation of Medical Waste, U.S. Army Public Health Command
• Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association
• Current CDL Driver’s License with Endorsements

Jennifer uses Cypress Cove’s benefits and perks to enjoy work-life balance and the Florida lifestyle. “The company is very generous to employees. I personally utilize many of the benefits offered and, overall, it has increased the quality of life for me and my family,” she said. “I can take my kids to sporting events, theme parks such as Disney, the movie theater, and more at a discounted rate. The generous paid time off program allows me the time to make it possible!”

Jennifer has accrued many great work memories at Cypress Cove. She enjoys participating on the employee VOICE committee, planning staff reward and recognition activities. She also treasures Cypress Cove’s annual holiday party where, “we all get the chance to celebrate another great year as a big family.” And, like many Southwest Florida residents, Hurricane Irma was an unforgettable event for Jennifer. Since she has a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with endorsements, she had the opportunity to drive the Cypress Cove buses transporting employees and family members to shelter.

Thank you, Jennifer, for all you do for the Cypress Cove family! We appreciate all your contributions to continuous improvement of the community.