Leadership Team

John Whitman joined Chandler Hall as Chief Executive Officer on August 16, 2021.

Whitman provides vision, strategic direction as well as oversight of all continuum of care services offered at Chandler Hall, including rehabilitation and therapy programs. He is passionate about providing quality, safe care and services that transform the experience of aging in the Quaker tradition as well as fostering an atmosphere of performance excellence.

Whitman is a seasoned health care professional with more than 35 years of experience in leading initiatives designed to efficiently enhance seniors’ health and wellness. Prior to joining Chandler Hall, he founded The TRECS Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of care provided to seniors across the nation. He also serves as an adjunct professor of the Wharton MBA HealthCare Management Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Whitman has significant expertise in creating opportunities that unite key internal and external stakeholders to successfully implement clinical programs and operational solutions for improved quality outcomes and long-term financial viability. He is a collaborative leader who is adept at motivating teams by taking a positive approach to coaching opportunities and team development.

In addition, Whitman has demonstrated success in regulatory compliance, strategic planning and analysis, operational performance, financial oversight, and leading quality improvement initiatives.

“The Chandler Hall Board of Directors is confident John Whitman will be a tremendous asset to our community and our partners throughout the region,” said Paul Sheehan, chair of Chandler Hall’s board of directors. “His impressive background demonstrates a passionate, values-driven commitment to the health and wellness of older adults, and we’re privileged to welcome him to his leadership to Chandler Hall.”

Tina Sparo has been part of the Human Resources team at Chandler Hall since 2001. Tina became the Director of Human Resources in 2017. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Holy Family University. Tina is a member of the Southeastern PA Chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management. Tina enjoys spending her free time watching her kids play ice hockey and soccer.

Irene Tchimou has worked as a Hospice Nurse at Chandler Hall since 2020. In August 2023, she accepted the position of Director of Nursing at Friends Nursing Home. As a Hospice Nurse, she pursued further education in nursing. She obtained a Certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a Master in Nursing Education (MSN). Irene is also a certified Dementia Practitioner and Mask Fit Tester. She started her nursing career in Maryland as a CNA in 2010 and worked up to LPN, RN, and now Director of Nursing.

I began my career in healthcare at Saint Mary Medical Center working in finance and managing hospital-based physician practices. Several years ago, I made a career change and have worked with seniors ever since. I have my BS in Organizational Leadership and am certified as an Activity Director and Dementia Practitioner. I have over 19 years’ experience working in many aspects of CCRC’s including marketing, logistics and wellness programming.

A lifelong resident of Bucks County, I grew up in Newtown and am glad to be a part of the Chandler Hall community.

I can be reached at 267-291-2336 or bgowton@chandlerhall.org

Chris Donnelly began volunteering in nursing homes when he was just seven years old, guided by his mother, who oversaw the nursing department where she worked. He found a passion for this career and has continued to work for nursing home facilities for the last 15 years, holding leadership positions since 2013.

My primary job responsibility is the total operation of the Nursing Home. I ensure that residents residing in Friends Nursing Home at Chandler Hall receive the highest Quality Care. I do my best to make sure the residents, families, and employees of Friends Nursing Home are cared for like family. I choose to work at Chandler Hall because it has always been embedded with a history of caring. I love that Chandler Hall always puts quality care first.

I am married with two wonderful children. I enjoy fishing, golfing, and spending time with my family.  I grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and moved to the Doylestown area. I attended Penn State University, and I am a proud Nittany Lion.

Trudy Bandmann has been cooking for the past 40+ years. She attended both Philadelphia and New York Culinary Schools. She previously worked at Chandler Hall as an executive chef from 2013 – 2018 and then decided to attended school to become a Certified Dietary Manager. She then returned to Chandler Hall in 2022 as the Culinary Director and now oversees the food preparation procedures and nutrition to make sure safety procedures are followed throughout the facility. She plans all the menus for the resident dining rooms, special parties, and makes most of the desserts for multiple special occasions. She also runs the Chandler Hall Café with her team which serves daily nutritious lunches to visitors, residents, and employees.

She is a self-taught baker and loves baking because it allows her the freedom to be as creative as she wants. Trudy also owns her own catering business for the past 30 years.

Breanne Haffley started her career in Physical therapy working with seniors. After being in physical therapy for over 5 years, she made a career change. Breanne received her BS in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University. Breanne holds a certificate in The National Society of Leadership and Success. She now is the Director of Community Support at Chandler Hall.

Breanne enjoys spending time with her family and her pets. Her interests are that she loves to garden and enjoys reading.

Laura has been with Chandler Hall for the past 4 years and has been active as a provider in Hospice Care. Laura received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing from John Tyler University and continued her education to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University. She is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN) and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). Laura has served in various hands-on care and administrative roles over the last 4 years.