La Posada at Pusch Ridge
Rising Through the Ranks
Meet Alexis Martinez, Executive VP of La Posada at Pusch Ridge
Alexis Martinez’s journey from a bilingual upbringing to leading La Posada’s newest campus reflects both personal growth and organizational vision. Born in Tucson, she spent some of her formative years in Mexico where her father worked for the government. This bicultural experience shaped her deeply - while English is her first language, Spanish was spoken at home and became “the language of her heart,” as she describes it.
The Early Years
Returning to her birthplace, Martinez attended the University of Arizona. She got a job working as a receptionist at the La Posada property in Green Valley where they lived. This entry-level position became the launching pad for an impressive career trajectory. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, followed by a master’s degree in public administration with a healthcare emphasis - credentials that perfectly aligned with senior living leadership.
Growing with the Organization
Starting as a receptionist, she progressed through human resources and various administrative positions. A pivotal moment came when a resident influenced her career path, which led Senior Leadership to create a specialized internship program designed to prepare her for executive leadership. This is an example that demonstrates La Posada’s unique approach to organizational development - listening to community members and adapting accordingly.
Her promotion to Vice President overseeing the Pusch Ridge campus represents the culmination of years of dedicated service and strategic preparation. This role places her at the helm of La Posada’s expansion into a more urban, amenity-rich environment compared to their established Green Valley location.
The La Posada Philosophy
Martinez embodies La Posada’s core mission: “to maximize the well-being of seniors.” However, what sets her leadership apart is the genuine implementation of resident-centric care. Rather than adopting a top-down management approach, she positions herself as a facilitator, emphasizing that residents “are the ones that live here” while staff simply provide services.
This philosophy manifests in practical ways. When residents propose new programs or services, the default response isn’t budget constraints or administrative hurdles. Instead, Martinez asks: “How can we make this work? What resources are needed? How will this benefit the whole community?” This approach transforms individual requests into community-wide improvements, ensuring that innovations serve broader resident interests while honoring the original idea.
This resident-centric focus extends beyond programming to fundamental decision-making processes. Martinez actively solicits resident input on community development, recognizing that those who live in the community possess valuable insights about daily life, preferences, and needs that administrators might overlook.
Campus Amenities
The new Pusch Ridge campus represents a strategic expansion into a more centrally located, amenity-rich environment. Unlike the more rural Green Valley location, La Posada at Pusch Ridge offers proximity to shopping, dining, and the Tucson Metro system, providing residents with greater access to urban conveniences while maintaining the community atmosphere La Posada is known for.
The 80-acre property offers significant development potential, with plans for casitas, assisted living and memory care facilities complementing the existing independent living options. Martinez envisions retail ventures and medical offices that will create a comprehensive senior living ecosystem. This expansion reflects La Posada’s commitment to meeting diverse resident needs within a single, well-integrated community.
Current residents represent a mix of couples and singles across typical senior age ranges, (from 60 to 97, with most residents in their mid 70s) with community programming designed to combat isolation through meaningful social activities. The demographic diversity allows for varied programming that appeals to different interests and activity levels.
Pioneering for the Future
Martinez’s leadership style encourages pioneering new programs and services, always with resident input driving innovation. This approach has created a culture where residents feel empowered to suggest improvements and participate in shaping their community’s evolution.
The ‘Settling-in Services’ exemplify this resident-focused innovation - specialized teams help new residents transition from larger homes, assisting with space planning, moving coordination, and complete home setup. This comprehensive support addresses the practical and emotional challenges of downsizing, ensuring residents can focus on enjoying their new community rather than struggling with logistics.
Community Impact
La Posada at Pusch Ridge challenges common misconceptions about senior living by creating vibrant, engaging communities where residents thrive rather than merely reside. Martinez’s bilingual background and cultural sensitivity enhance the organization’s ability to serve diverse populations, while her administrative expertise ensures operational excellence.
You’re Invited!
“I extend my personal invitation to our upcoming November 3 Open House. Be my guest and experience La Posada’s approach firsthand.” This confidence in the resident-centric model and the amenities that make La Posada at Pusch Ridge a compelling choice for discerning seniors seeking an active, supportive community environment.