David Smart Selected as Ensō Village’s Executive Director

Healdsburg, CA, October 25, 2024 – Ensō Village, a Zen-inspired Kendal Life Care Community in California, is delighted to announce the appointment of David Smart as the community’s new Executive Director, effective January 2025. With over two decades of experience in senior living and community management, David is set to drive the community’s mission of creating a nurturing environment for mindful aging, sustainability, and contemplative care.

David Smart headshot

David’s leadership philosophy aligns seamlessly with Ensō Village’s core values. “There are so many things about Ensō Village that speak to me on a personal and professional basis,” David shared. “I have built my leadership skills over the years for an opportunity just like this. My philosophy with residents is this is their home, and they will (and should) have a say in what happens in the community. And I have an affinity for staff because I have been in their shoes for many years, working in communities since I was 14 years old. I look forward to bringing my decades of experience with visioning the future, strategic planning, operational management, fiscal oversight, and leadership to Ensō Village as this unique community grows.”

Rob Lippincott, Board Chair, shares “The board is delighted to welcome a talented leader who so clearly understands both the value and the values of our emerging community”. Paul Kuenstner, Chair of the Search Committee, highlighted the thorough selection process and the committee’s high satisfaction with the final choice.

David brings a rich background, including his recent role as Vice President of Operations at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in South Carolina and his tenure as President/CEO at Eaton Senior Communities in Colorado. His educational credentials include a master’s degree in Gerontology and Long-Term Care Administration from Naropa University, the only Buddhist-inspired university in America.

Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “David has a deep and varied background that matches well with the culture and future direction of Ensō Village. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Kendal family!”

Ensō Village, a collaborative initiative between the San Francisco Zen Center and The Kendal Corporation, is committed to offering adults aged 60+ a vibrant community focused on health, nature, and mindful living. Located in Healdsburg, CA, Ensō Village looks forward to continued growth and success under David’s stewardship.

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About Ensō Village- A Kendal Affiliate

Ensō Village is a Life Plan Community in Healdsburg, California, focusing on mindful aging, the joys of nature, environmental stewardship and healthy life choices for adults 60+. This approach incorporates mindfulness practice, compassionate action, and memento-moment awareness while in a relationship with those cared for. It is rooted in Buddhist practices of meditation and contemplation. At Ensō Village, all medical and caregiving staff have been trained in the practice of contemplative care. The preview center is located at 435 Allan Court, Healdsburg, California, 95448. For more information, visit Ensō.kendal.org or call 707-756-5036.

About Kendal

Founded on Quaker principles and guided by Values and Practices, Kendal Affiliates include Life Plan Communities, Life Plan Community at Home, independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care and skilled care options. Kendal Affiliates are in New Hampshire; New York; Massachusetts; Virginia; the Washington, DC, Area, Pennsylvania; Ohio and California.