Meet the Team at Ovation Sienna Hills in St. George, Utah

Rick Miller

Rick Miller is the owner of Ovation, founding this innovative senior living campus to provide an elevated retirement experience for seniors. He frequently visits Ovation, engaging with residents and employees, and demonstrating genuine care and appreciation for each individual.

Rick holds a wealth of experience in the senior living industry. With a progressive agenda to keep seniors healthy, independent, and in their home of choice for as long as practical, Rick founded Avamere in 1995. He led the growth and diversification of Avamere, sustaining an annual growth rate approaching 20% until 2012, when he became the board chair. Rick returned in 2018 as the CEO.

In 2010 Rick co-founded the venture capital firm, Rogue Venture Partners. Rogue invests primarily in Oregon-based entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with funding and mentorship.

Rick earned his Master of Business Administration from Portland State University in 1991. He resides in Sun Valley, Idaho with his wife Erika.

Boards & Community Involvement

• Portland State University, Board of Trustee’s – Past Chair
• Portland Community Church – Past Elder
• Lake Oswego Corporation – Past Treasurer
• Young President’s Organization – Past Chair
• Oregon Health Care Association, Tigard, OR – Past Chair
• American Health Care Association, Washington, DC – Past Chair
• Oregon Investment Council – Past Board Member
• Diabetomics, Portland, OR – Board Member
• Payless Pharmacy, Portland OR – Board Member
• NemaMetrix – Board Chair

Awards & Recognition

• Oregon’s Most Admired Companies – 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018
• Portland State University, Simon Benson Award 2013
• Portland State Business Schools Distinguished Graduate Alumni 2012
• Portland Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” 2004

Stephanie Grade

Stephanie Grade is a born and raised Nebraskan. Growing up in Crete, just about an hour outside Omaha, Stephanie looked at life through a different lens. Her passion for exceptional service drew her to the hotel and services industry, allowing her to travel the U.S., open hotels, and serve on the Board of Directors for the Omaha Restaurant Association and Metropolitan Hospitality Association. After 20 years of hospitality experience and award-winning program development, Stephanie has brought her expertise to Ovation Sienna Hills.

Stephanie earned her degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management from Iowa State University. She’s also a proud mother, wife, and owner of an English Bulldog named Lola – who gets all the family’s attention. When she’s not earning an ovation for her hard work, she enjoys attending concerts, theatre performances, traveling, supporting the Joslyn Art Museum, and exploring Fontenelle Forest just outside Bellevue.

Erick Lorenzana

Erick has served in the hospitality industry throughout his entire career, entering the senior living industry in 2020. His rich experience in hospitality benefits residents and families, as Ovation’s lifestyle is a resort-style senior living community.

Erick is licensed in assisted living as an administrator and has his ServSafe Manager certification. He has earned several awards for his work, including New Executive Director of the Year in 2022 and the Leadership Excellence Special Award.

Seeing happy residents and employees energizes Erick at work. He’s a fan of Chelsea Football Club, Lindt dark chocolate, and cheesecake. He is inspired by his wife, and they reside together in American Fork, Utah.

Austin Ricks

Austin Ricks, MHA, leads Ovation Sienna Hils with a focus on enhancing the lives of residents while supporting team development and growth.

He brings strong leadership experience to Ovation and has been recognized for his ability to build relationships through networking, improving quality of service and creating supportive environments for employees.

Austin earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration and management from Weber State University. Before completing his education, he served in the U.S. Navy and dedicated two years as a missionary in Atlanta, Georgia.

Outside of work, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife, Haley, and their two daughters, Oakley and Ryann. He is passionate about the outdoors, especially camping with family. He also enjoys golfing, pickleball, and board games.