Creative Solutions in Healthcare Promotes Auston Clanton to Chief Operations Officer

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Owners of Creative Solutions in Healthcare, Gary & Malisa Blake are pleased to announce the promotion of Auston Clanton to Chief Operations Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Auston will succeed Karen Johnson, who is retiring after 14 years of dedicated service. Auston will begin the transition process on October 1st.

Gary Blake, President and CEO of Creative Solutions in Healthcare, shared his excitement: “Malisa and I are thrilled to see Auston step into his new role. Auston’s promotion is a natural progression of his remarkable career with us. He has the talent and vision to build on the solid foundation that Karen Johnson established over her 14 years of leadership. We’re confident that his leadership will lead us to great success."

Auston Clanton has spent his entire career at Creative Solutions in Healthcare, starting as the HR Coordinator at Silver Tree Nursing & Rehab in 2012. He quickly moved into an Administrator in Training (AIT) role, eventually becoming the administrator at Cedar Creek in 2013, where he played a key role in transitioning the facility during its acquisition. In 2014, Auston became the Administrator at Mineral Wells Nursing & Rehab, where he transformed the home into one of the highest quality and most profitable in the company’s portfolio.

His success led to a series of promotions: Lead Area Administrator in 2018, Area Manager of Operations in early 2019, and Area Director of Operations by April of the same year. In 2021, when Creative Solutions created operational divisions, Auston’s track record made him the ideal choice for Divisional Vice President of Operations for the East. He has been a part of 65 acquisitions throughout his time with the company, which he considers some of his most notable career highlights.

Auston shared his excitement for his new role: “I am honored for this opportunity and look forward to working with Gary and Malisa. Karen is leaving an impactful legacy. As I start a new chapter within Creative Solutions, I am excited to continue to champion our number one focus of providing top-notch care to our valued residents and their families. I am looking forward to implementing innovative approaches to our ever-evolving industry.”

Karen Johnson's retirement marks the end of a significant era in Creative Solutions in Healthcare’s history. Karen began her journey with Creative Solutions in 2010 as the company’s first-ever COO, overseeing the growth from 30 facilities to 170, making it the largest operator in Texas and the fifth largest in the nation. Karen reflected on her decision to join the company, stating: “Two things convinced me to take the position. First, I wanted to be with a company that understood Texas and knew how to be successful here. Second, I already knew Gary Blake... After that first conversation, I just knew this was going to be the best work adventure ever! I said YES."

Karen's leadership has been instrumental in advancing Creative Solutions' core pillars, including census development, White Glove, SecureCare, crisis management, and customer service. Her ability to mentor and develop leaders has been one of her most profound contributions, guiding many ADOs, Directors, and Vice Presidents to reach their full potential.

Beyond her professional achievements, Karen is admired as a role model. Her positive attitude and exceptional problem-solving skills have inspired those around her to believe they can accomplish anything. Despite her success, Karen remains incredibly humble. She is known to always attribute her accomplishments to her team. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the company for years to come.

As Auston steps into his new role, Karen Johnson expressed her confidence in his leadership: “I have watched Auston Clanton grow from HR, to AIT, to Admin in two locations, to ADO for multiple assignments through many acquisitions. He has mastered everything put in front of him. He makes great decisions, he is smart, inclusive, adapts easily, is curious, engaged, and loves what we do and who we do it with. It is as natural as flowing water that he transitions to be COO. He will bring strength, direction, creativity, and energy to the position so that Creative Solutions in Healthcare continues to grow and thrive in the years and decades ahead.”

About Creative Solutions in Healthcare

Founded in 2000 by Gary and Malisa Blake, Creative Solutions in Healthcare is a family-owned company headquartered in Fort Worth, TX. It started with the first acquisition of Granbury Care Center and has grown to operate 170 long–term care communities throughout the state of Texas. Each location still runs on the founding principle, ‘a life lived for others is a life worthwhile’. Its mission is to provide the highest quality of care to aging adults, by investing in cutting-edge technology and embodying core values of Compassionate Clinical Care, Nutritious Meals, Enriching Lives, Valued Employees, and Unparalleled Cleanliness.