Celebrating Leadership: Welcoming Delores Darnell as the New Interim Administrator of Dogwood Village

Dogwood Village of Orange County Announces New Interim Administrator, Delores Darnell

Orange, Va – Dogwood Village of Orange County is pleased to announce the interim appointment of Delores C. Darnell as our new Nursing Home Administrator. Bringing a deep-seated passion for eldercare and over 40 years of dedicated experience, Delores Darnell will officially step into this role on 10 November 2026. Ms. Darnell shall serve as Interim Administrator until the Board completes a comprehensive recruitment process and appoints a permanent Administrator.

Our community has always been anchored by warmth, dignity, and family-first care. In Delores Darnell, we have found a leader who perfectly embodies these values. Her hands-on approach and gentle leadership style ensure that our residents will continue to feel safe, cherished, and truly at home.

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Delores back to our family," said Sam Kessler, Chairman of Orange County Nursing Home Commission. "Her exceptional background in senior living and clinical operations combined with a profoundly empathetic heart, makes her the ideal person to lead our team. We are confident our residents, their families, and our staff will thrive under her compassionate guidance."

We also want to extend our best wishes to our outgoing administrator, John Ashley for his dedicated service and we wish him the absolute best in all his future endeavors.

"I am incredibly honored to rejoin the wonderful team at Dogwood," shared Delores Darnell. "To me, senior care is not just a profession—it is a calling. Every resident here has a unique story, and I am committed to listening to those stories, honoring their choices, and ensuring that our community remains a place of joy, comfort, and exceptional care."

About Dogwood Village - Located in the Town of Orange, Dogwood Village of Orange County is a premier senior living and skilled nursing community dedicated to providing active person-centered care. With a focus on comfort, community, and clinical excellence, we strive to make every day meaningful for our residents and their loved ones. For more information, please visit www.dogwoodvillageocva.org or call 540-672-2611.