Rooted in Values, Focused On What’s Next

At Aventur, we believe that the future of senior living is rooted in purpose, possibility and human connection. We’re actively building a new kind of network — one that prioritizes culture over convention, people over profit and long-term impact over short-term gains.

Our vision is bold: to partner with communities that share our dedication to innovation, empathy and helping every individual live a life of meaning at every stage of their journey.

From our flagship community, Royal Oaks, to the new communities joining our growing family nationwide, we bring energy, creativity and a voice to all. Whether it’s reimagining wellness, investing in team members or strengthening culture from the inside out, we’re here to create environments where residents and staff alike can thrive.

our vision

Beyond the ordinary. Accelerating the possibilities. Transforming the future.

Our Mission

Fusing innovation with experience to unleash potential

Our Core Values
Transformation

We drive transformation through creativity, collaboration, adaptability and alignment, enhancing every experience along the way.

Opportunities

We create opportunities by intentionally fusing innovation with focused purpose, motivating others with enthusiasm and driving progress through purposeful action.

Prosperity

To achieve prosperity, we commit to pursuing excellence in all we do, using resources responsibly, fostering sustainability and prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities in every action we take.

Innovation

To be innovative, we seek new opportunities with both courage and foresight, ensuring that the path forward is both life-changing and secure.

Confidence

We build confidence by trusting our abilities, acting with integrity and embracing boldness and determination. Through leadership and excellence, we create certainty in every decision and action we take.

meet our leadership team

Our team brings over 100 years of collective experience in senior living leadership, but what truly sets us apart is how we lead: with heart, honesty and humanity.

Gretchen Cobb

Chief Executive Officer

With a rare ability to cut through complexity and chart a clear, strategic course, Gretchen leads Aventur with a blend of visionary thinking and grounded expertise. Whether navigating change or scaling impact, she brings clarity where others see chaos — guiding the organization not just to move forward, but to move forward with purpose. A true boots-on-the-ground leader, Gretchen leads by example — never asking her team to do anything she wouldn't do herself, and making every decision with a deep passion for serving seniors and supporting those who care for them.

A proud MBA graduate and honored commencement speaker from the University of Phoenix (2009), Gretchen’s career has been marked by both achievement and inspiration. In 2018, she was named Arizona LeadingAge Emerging Leader of the Year, a testament to her commitment to excellence in leadership and service.

A. Carter Smitherman

Chief Financial Officer

With over 22 years of experience in accounting, Carter brings a deep understanding of financial strategy, compliance and stewardship — especially within Arizona’s nonprofit and government sectors. His career includes leadership roles across mission-driven organizations, most notably serving as CFO of Royal Oaks Retirement Community and Director of Finance at the Arizona Opera, where he helped both organizations drive financial clarity and operational excellence.

A proud Arizona State University alum, Carter is passionate about giving back. He actively contributes his time and expertise to the Arizona State Board of Accountancy, his parish at St. Joan of Arc, and various community service efforts through the Knights of Columbus.

Outside the office, Carter’s world revolves around his family. He and his wife are the proud parents of three amazing children — Caitlin, Colter, and Tucker — who keep life fun, full and always on the move.

Dina Capek

Chief Operating Officer

Dina’s journey is a powerful reflection of dedication, compassion and lifelong growth. Beginning her career in 1989 as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Royal Oaks, she returned in 1997 as a Registered Nurse, setting in motion a path marked by both personal and professional excellence. With support from the organization’s scholarship program, Dina earned her undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees from the University of Phoenix — never losing sight of her passion for serving older adults.

Her inspiration to work in Senior Living stems from deep relationships with her grandmothers, which helped her recognize that quality care and nurturing environments are essential for people to truly thrive as they age.

Dina served as the Director of Health and Residential Services for Royal Oaks, championing a whole-person approach to aging. Her leadership brought to life the belief that staying happy, active and healthy is the cornerstone of vibrant living. Now, as Chief Operating Officer of Aventur, Dina brings her clinical expertise, operational insight and a deeply rooted sense of empathy to the forefront. Her positivity is contagious, and her commitment to excellence continues to shape the future of Aventur and the well-being of those we serve.


Learn More About Aventur