Customer Relations Coordinator Jackie Boudreaux at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida plays an essential role in organizing move-ins for new residents. This year has been especially busy due to the tremendous influx of residents who have signed up for The Canopy, the senior living community’s newest residential building. With her warm smile, friendly demeanor and positive outlook, she makes meaningful connections, so everyone feels welcome.

Since October 2025, in addition to her regular work with residents moving into the current apartments, she has completed 65 personalization appointments. During these appointments, new residents determine how they want to personalize their apartments. Each appointment can take two to four hours to complete and often involves extensive back-and-forth questions throughout the process.

In her role, which she has held for six years, Boudreaux helps personalize residents’ apartments before they move in, working closely with several contractors to coordinate finishes and selections. She also assists with move-in day logistics to help ensure a smooth transition in the downsizing process from their old home to their new community. When residents transition from Independent Living to Assisted Living, she helps coordinate those moves as well.

Boudreaux was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Indian Harbor Beach near Melbourne, Florida, when she was four years old. She later moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida, where she majored in statistics. While at UF, she met her husband, Jerry, and the two became college sweethearts, marrying shortly after graduation. They have now been married for almost 40 years and remain enthusiastic fans of Gator sports.

After college, Boudreaux worked as an actuarial assistant at an employee benefits consulting firm and later as a retirement plan coordinator and 401(k) administrator.

Boudreaux and Jerry have four children—three daughters and one son. Their oldest, now 31, was recently married in Hawaii. Their youngest is currently attending the University of Florida.

Over the years, the family lived in Orlando and Tampa before moving back to Gainesville 22 years ago when Jerry accepted a new job selling pharmaceuticals.

Boudreaux is highly respected by both administration and residents. Nickie Doria, vice president of marketing, public relations and community affairs, said:

“Jackie is incredibly responsible, ensuring that all new residents making the monumental move to Oak Hammock have an exceptional experience. Residents work with her on the construction and renovation of their new homes, getting answers to their questions about life at Oak Hammock, receiving help with move-in logistics or simply relying on her as a knowledgeable resource.

She is a compassionate, patient, caring and thoughtful resident advocate—serving as a liaison between residents, general contractors and plant operations team members. Her attention to detail is impeccable, which is one of the qualities that makes her perfect for this job. We’re so glad she’s a part of the Oak Hammock resident experience.”

Recently, Boudreaux reflected on her role at Oak Hammock.

What do you like most about your job?

My favorite part of the job is meeting every new resident. I love hearing their stories and learning about their lives. I also enjoy having fun at work and truly value the relationships I’ve built with both residents and my coworkers.

How do you apply the “We Care” values in your work?

The WeCare values—welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic—are important guidelines for all Oak Hammock team members.

I come to work every day with a positive outlook and a calm attitude. Moving can be a stressful time for residents, especially when they are leaving a home they may have lived in for many years. I try to make the process easier by being friendly, approachable and supportive.

When residents choose the details and finishes for their apartments, it’s an important step that helps them feel more at home. We’ve also implemented new tools and programs that help make the process smoother and more efficient.

How do you make a difference for residents?

Much of my work happens behind the scenes, but it plays an important role in helping residents feel comfortable during a major life transition. I’m very detail-oriented and consistent with my processes, which helps prevent mistakes and ensures things get done correctly.

I listen carefully to residents and try to understand their needs. Being attentive and empathetic helps me support them as they prepare for their move and begin the next chapter of their lives. I see my role as an advocate for the residents and strive to make their moving day a positive experience.

Every move presents its own challenges, especially when construction timelines shift or unexpected issues arise. My attention to detail helps minimize problems before they happen, and when issues do occur, I work to resolve them quickly so the residents’ experience remains positive.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

For 24 years, I ran my own business that I started with my mom. My husband and sister also helped during the first 10 years. We sold Italian ice and frozen treats to large venues and events, including Disney, the Orange Bowl and Tampa Stadium. I even received customer service training through Disney University—so I like to joke that I earned my MBA on the job!

Family is a big part of my life. My husband and I often host family gatherings, including Thanksgiving. My mom lives in Gainesville, my dad lives in Melbourne, and we’ve always loved bringing everyone together.

When our children were growing up, we hosted many neighborhood events. My husband has a large inflatable movie screen, and we used to host outdoor movie nights in our backyard. When the Taylor Swift concert was broadcast live several years ago, we had dozens of girls of all ages come over to watch it together.

Our children were very involved in sports, including lacrosse and rowing. For many years, I served on the board of the Gainesville Rowing Club, and I am proud that our fundraising helped build their new boathouse.

In my spare time, I enjoy photography. Jerry and I also love attending Gator sporting events. Now that we’re adjusting to being empty nesters, we spend time snorkeling and paddleboarding in Florida’s springs and playing pickleball.

Our daughter’s wedding in Hawaii was a wonderful experience, and we were so grateful most of our family could be there to help celebrate the occasion.

And we’re especially excited right now—we’re expecting our first grandchild on May 1, from our daughter, Caroline and her husband Luke, who were married last year!

“Jackie is very nice and very helpful with construction questions and is always eager to assist newcomers as they move into Oak Hammock. We very much enjoyed working with her.”
— Mary Thompson, resident

“My experience working with Jackie Boudreaux was outstanding, and I truly came to appreciate her steady guidance throughout the entire renovation process. She patiently walked me through every decision—from counters and fixtures to the smallest modifications—while balancing contractor delays, budget constraints and my own moments of sticker shock with remarkable composure. Even when I felt frustrated, Jackie remained calm, responsive and accommodating. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional or supportive partner in making my new home just right.”— Ellen Siegel, resident