The role of women in leadership at Homestead Village has been integral since its founding. Women have served on the Board of Directors since its inception in 1977, even before the community was built. Additionally, many knowledgeable and talented women have, and are, helping every department within the community – from finance, to human resources, facilities, marketing, development, and care services – to thrive. On this International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026, we celebrate all of the women, past and present, who have been a part of our 40-year legacy.
From an excerpt from the book, “Homestead Village at 25”, one notable collaboration of female leaders was the Homestead expansion project of the Mews neighborhood in 2001: “The project was also different in that it largely utilized women professionals. The architect was Cynthia LaBuda of Hammel LaBuda Architects. The project engineer was Linda Michels, of David Miller Associates, Homestead Village’s long-term planners. And the builder was Lisa Cooper, owner and president of Cooper Homes. Joanne Markley, designer/decorator for Cooper Homes rounded out the team of women. It was perhaps coincidental that the chairman of the Homestead Village Board was, for the second time, a woman, Phyllis Miller, an experienced nursing executive and community leader.”
Since this time, three other notable women; Sarah Bright, Sue Carson and currently Mary Beth Tearpock have served as chairwomen of our board of directors. Sue and Mary Beth have presided over additional major expansions including The Farmstead and The Townstead.
Additionally, many women who reside at Homestead Village are active in leadership roles including committees of the board of directors, resident counsel, the Auxiliary, and others. In their careers, they have been business owners, architects, engineers, healthcare leaders, scientists, and have inspired younger generations to also rise to leadership roles. They volunteer in vast capacities allowing the many charitable organizations here in Lancaster County to thrive.
On this International Women’s Day, we honor the many ways in which women have led the way and played an essential role in establishing, building, evolving, and enriching our community. We celebrate the legacy they have created and look ahead with gratitude for the women who will continue to contribute their leadership, talents, and vision to the future of Homestead Village.