Byrd will take over as CEO effective Jan. 9, 2024.

Her appointment follows a nearly year-long search process by The Kendal Corporation, a not-for-profit organization of aging services and senior living communities with 11 operating affiliates across nine states. Its holdings include life plan communities, long-term care and skilled nursing operations.

“Vassar brings a tenured career in our sector including most recently leading an innovative, forward-looking organization,” said Kendal’s board chair Annetha Hall. “She has wide-ranging experience, a background in both economics and gerontology, and most importantly, a true passion for making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Byrd was named a 2020 McKnight’s Women of Distinction honoree and had an extensive career in economics before entering the long-term care sector.

Prior to joining Kendal, Byrd was CEO of Rose Villa Senior Living, a nonprofit life plan community she had served for 17 years. At Rose Villa, Byrd oversaw completion of a 10-year master plan and campus redevelopment. She also has recently served as president of LeadingAge Oregon’s board.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead such a unique and valuable organization,” Byrd said in a press release announcing her hiring. “The core values of Kendal, as a Quaker organization, are compelling. In particular, the principles of respect and collaboration – welcoming every view to the table – are the path to the future. The strength and hope of this framework allow everyone to play a vital part in the vision of transforming the experience of aging, together.”

Amy Harrison, who has served as interim CEO since the beginning of the year, will resume her role as chief financial officer upon Byrd’s start with Kendal.

Previous CEO Sean Kelly left Kendal in February to take over as CEO at ​​California-based Front Porch Communities & Services.

Tyrrle has a background in retail and was with Target Pharmacy for 10 years before starting at Gurwin Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Commack, NY, about six years ago. She attended St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens, and graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science. 

Gurwin is a life plan community offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled care, adult day care, home care, respiratory care and memory care and dialysis.

Litchford’s role at LeadingAge Florida will involve developing relationships with business members and increasing sponsorship and advertising opportunities. She will also be responsible for orchestrating professional development opportunities for participating member communities.

Litchford has more than a decade of experience working for domestic and international nonprofits, government agencies and private institutions. Prior to joining LeadingAge Florida, she served as chapter and education manager at the Florida Assisted Living Association.

She has a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship from George Fox University. She also received her master’s in both social work and public administration from Florida State University, according to Linkedin.

LeadingAge Florida President & CEO, Steve Bahmer, said he is happy to bring Litchford on as a team member. “She brings a strong record of educational program development and new business development that will be essential to the continued success of our association,” he said.

Olsen’s predecessor, Larry Slatky, was Albany county’s highest paid – employee, earning over $340,000 annually before he stepped down. Olsen is set to receive a $260,000 starting salary in his new role. 

Ever since his graduation from SUNY Utica in 1988, Olsen has worked within the healthcare industry. 

He previously served as an administrator at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, New York. 

“Mr. Olsen has the education, accreditation and experience to excel in this position. More importantly, he has the vision to ensure Shaker Place maintains its 5-star rating well into the future,” said a spokeswoman for County Executive Dan McCoy.

As a seven year veteran of AAPACN, Stewart has worked to expand programming to include education for nurse leaders and other members of the interdisciplinary team. 

Stewart previously served as AAPACN’s vice president of education and certification strategy, participated on multiple Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Technical Expert panels, and served on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/CMS Crisis Standards of Care for LTC. She also chaired the Coalition of Geriatric Nursing Organizations. 

Stewart is a frequent speaker at the national American Health Care Association convention as well as an AAPACN Master Teacher. 

“Amy is highly respected by our members and her expertise is highly valued by state and national associations, state and federal regulatory agencies, and healthcare media,” said AAPACN CEO and President Tracey Moorhead.

Stewart earned her master’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain College, according to Linkedin. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Prior to joining the AAPACN team, Stewart honed her leadership and reimbursement skills through serving as the division director of case mix for Presence Life Connections.

Despite her various roles within the AAPACN, Stewart still manages to make time to consult as a legal nurse for Hall, Prangle and Schoonveld, LLC, in Chicago, IL. She is also the author of AAPACN’s Director of Nursing-Certified (DNS-CT) Leadership and Business Essentials Manual and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News’ nurse expert columnist. 

Stewart says she is fortunate to have guided other nurses into becoming experts in the field.

“Being able to help nurses grow into strong leaders is why I love what I do here,” she said.

With over 15 years of experience as a certified public accountant and chief financial officer, Zygarlicke will conduct financial statement analysis and reporting for HDG.  

“Melissa will guide HDG and its managed communities in leveraging opportunities for financial optimization and long-term growth,” said HDG President and Principal Amber Rogotzke.

As part of the expansion of HDG’s finance team, Carmen Broska has been promoted to senior director of revenue services. In her role, Broska will manage revenue cycle activities for HDG-managed communities. With 25 years of accounting experience throughout the senior living industry, Broska has a deep understanding of cyclical strategies to secure lasting financial viability for HDG’s managed communities. 

In addition, Veronica James, RN, has been named vice president of clinical reimbursement. James is responsible for managing the clinical aspects of the revenue cycle, including the systems around third-party reimbursement for HDG-managed communities and compliance with all government mandates.

“With these outstanding industry experts overseeing our finance operations, we have positioned the HDG team to support the expansion of our organization as well as our clients’ growth,” said Rogotzke. 

Health Dimensions Group  is a management and consulting organization serving senior living, post-acute, and long-term care providers, as well as hospitals and health systems.

“The Christian Horizons board of directors and I are pleased to name Kate as our next president and chief executive officer,” said Christian Horizons Board Chairman, Nicolas Filing. “We are confident that her experience, character, and leadership will usher in a bright future for Christian Horizons.”

Bertram joined Christian Horizons in March 2022 as chief operations officer, building on 20 years of experience in senior services. She has an MBA from Mount Mary University and has been an active participant in the aging services industry including LeadingAge Wisconsin and the National MS Society – WI Chapter.

While serving as COO at Christian Horizons, Bertram spearheaded culture development and post-pandemic recovery. Under Bertram’s leadership on the executive team, Christian Horizons has shifted its focus into growing its life plan community portfolio. 

Bertram has previously served as a board member on the Wauwatosa Montessori PTSA and Wauwatosa YMCA. A passionate educator, Bertram has also acted as an adjunct professor at Mount Mary University, according to Linkedin. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Christian Horizons owns and operates a portfolio of seven life plan campuses and five stand-alone older adult communities offering independent, assisted and supportive living.

A 27-year industry veteran, Carpentieri most recently acted as administrator at White Oaks Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Woodbury, NY.

Carpentieri graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a bachelor’s in social work. She then pursued her master’s in social work from Stony Brook University, according to Linkedin.

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a not-for-profit, 460-bed skilled nursing care facility part of the Gurwin Healthcare System. Services provided at the Center include skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, and both medical and social adult day programs.

Gutierrez most recently served as national vice president of operations for Anthem Home Care, adding to her 25 years of experience working within the senior living industry. She has also acted as VP of operations at Horizon Bay Retirement Living and Silverado senior living, according to Linkedin. Gutierrez holds a bachelors in social work from the University of Illinois and became a licensed nursing home administrator in the state of Illinois in 2003. 

In her new position, Gutierrez aims to improve workplace communication to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Additionally, she wishes to maintain a strong work culture and introduce innovative technologies into each facility. A self-proclaimed “believer in servant leadership,” Gutierrez hopes to dedicate her time to interacting with residents and their families. 

“You feel the compassion and support given to our residents,” said Gutierrez of her work at Presbyterian Homes. “It’s an honor to do this important and meaningful work.”

McCool graduated from Albright College with a bachelor’s in business and psychology. She then moved to West Chester and worked for Barclay Friends for more than 20 years, most recently as an admissions and utilization review manager. 

McCool is preceded by Faith Woodward, Barclay Friends’ former senior director of admissions and sales, who held the position for nearly 40 years before retiring. 

 “We are pleased to have Kelly lead our admissions and marketing efforts,” said Barclay Friends’ Executive Director Linda Sterthous. “With her extensive experience in non-profit healthcare settings, her knowledge and energy will be invaluable as we continue to attract residents to the high-quality care we provide.”