Martha Franks Retirement Community Welcomes Sprouse as New Executive Director
Laurens, South Carolina
Executive Director Robert Sprouse
Martha Franks Retirement Community is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurens County native Robert Sprouse as its new Executive Director. Sprouse assumed his new role on August 1, 2024, and will oversee the community’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the continuation of the high-quality care and compassionate services that have been Martha Franks’ hallmark since its founding almost 40 years ago. He succeeded Pollyanna Franks, who had served the community for over 10 years.
Sprouse has more than 27 years of experience in management, working across various industries. He most recently served as the Director of Human Resources and Assisted Living/Independent Living Administrator at Martha Franks, which gave him a deep understanding of the community’s needs and the values that drive its mission. Sprouse holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, is a Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and has a Community Residential Care Facility Administrator license.
“Mr. Sprouse is a proven leader with a passion for serving our residents,” said Tom Turner, SCBMA Chief Executive Officer. “I am confident he will lead Martha Franks with integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of our values.”
Sprouse is eager to take on his new role. “I am honored to be entrusted with leading Martha Franks into an exciting future,” said Sprouse. “Compassionate care will always be at the heart of our mission. I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated staff to build upon the legacy established by Ms. Martha Franks and South Carolina Baptists forty years ago. Our goal is to provide our residents a vibrant and fulfilling life in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.”
Beyond his professional experience, Sprouse is grounded in the values of love, compassion, and faith, underpinned by his dedication to service honed through his time in the Army National Guard. With a growing family that includes his wife Catherine and their four children, along with two grandchildren and another on the way, Robert says, “My family brings me immense joy and keeps me grounded in these values.”
A special public reception to welcome Mr. Sprouse as the new Executive Director will be held at Martha Franks in the Historic Villa on September 9, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
About Martha Franks Retirement Community
Opened February 4, 1985, in Laurens, South Carolina, Martha Franks Retirement Community is a community of SCBMA, a Christ-centered, not-for-profit organization that has upheld the highest standards of care and compassion for older adults since 1954. Martha Franks is committed to providing residents with a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment for living and aging by offering various living options, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation. For more information, visit marthafranks.com.
