02/10/2026
MSS Names New Vice President of Operations and Chief Operations Officer
Tupelo, MS — (February 10, 2026) Methodist Senior Services is pleased to announce that Jim Zuelzke has been selected as the new Vice President of Operations and Chief Operations Officer for Methodist Senior Services in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Mr. Zuelzke has been with Methodist Senior Services (MSS) for ten years, having served first as Director of Accounting and then Vice President of Finance/CFO. He will be filling the role that was vacated by Christie Vance when she was named the President/Chief Executive Officer for MSS in February 2025. Prior to joining MSS, Zuelzke served as the supervisor of financial reporting, planning, and analysis for another healthcare organization.
During his tenure at MSS, Jim has overseen the daily accounting operations and record keeping as well as the annual audit reviews and organizational budgeting. As Director of Accounting, he helped select and implement new HR/Payroll software and was instrumental in adapting MSS campuses to the new payroll-based journal reporting system required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In addition, Jim has led the organization through some of the most financially challenging periods brought on by COVID. His steady leadership was critical as the senior housing and health services industry navigated unprecedented change and uncertainty.
“Beyond his technical expertise and experience, Jim brings something equally important to this role,” stated Christie Vance, MSS President/CEO. “He brings a genuine heart for our ministry and a clear understanding of our mission, values, and people. He is a dedicated team member and a natural fit to serve as Chief Operations Officer. No one understands our culture and heartbeat of Methodist Senior Services quite like Jim Zuelzke.”
Zuelzke received his Bachelor of Accountancy from Auburn University and his Master of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama. He is married to Lauren Waldrip Zuelzke, and they have two children, Mary Lyle and Bo, and a goddaughter Amyah. He is an active church member at The Orchard Tupelo. In his spare time, Jim enjoys watching Auburn sports and spending time with his family outdoors and on the water. Jim proudly supports his children in competitive sports such as tennis and baseball. One of his favorite responsibilities is coaching his son’s Rangers baseball team.
Please join us in congratulating Jim on this well-deserved promotion and in offering your continued support as he steps into this new leadership role.