March 2, 2026 —Veteran development executive brings 27-year track record to strengthen signature Affiliate support model
The Kendal Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Hester as Senior Director of Development, effective March 2, 2025. In this role, Laura will lead the organization’s planning and development activities, manage the Development team, and oversee the provision of comprehensive and integrated services that support the development, expansion, and repositioning needs of Affiliate communities across the Kendal System.
Laura’s appointment comes at a time when communities are facing unprecedented development complexity from evolving regulations and environmental/sustainability considerations to construction cost volatility and shifting consumer preferences. Kendal’s expanded development capacity positions the organization to better help affiliates capitalize on continued demographic shifts while navigating heightened development risk. Laura brings 27 years of experience and a rare combination of architectural training, financial acumen, and turnkey project management experience across the full development lifecycle.
Her national portfolio, including 2,000+ residences valued at $500m+, spanning greenfield developments to complex expansions, demonstrates her leadership capacity and impact even in highly regulated markets. Notably, she has pioneered senior living as a new business line for multiple organizations, establishing scalable development platforms that parallel Kendal’s Affiliate support model.
Strengthening Kendal’s Development team, Laura’s addition enhances critical support for Affiliate partners:
- Strategic planning and feasibility: marketing analysis, financial modeling, and strategic positioning for growth initiatives
- Regulatory navigation: CON strategy, site selection and acquisition, entitlement processes, and stakeholder coordination in complex jurisdictional environments
- Project execution: owner’s representation, project financing, construction management and oversight, and risk management
- Knowledge transfer: development of best practices, model processes, and project management tools
“Laura brings proven expertise in navigating the complexities of the full continuum of the senior living development process—especially in strict regulatory environments where we’re managing multiple priorities across many stakeholders,” said Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation. “She’s going to be an invaluable addition to our team.”
Vassar adds, “I’m confident Laura’s leadership and experience developed over a national portfolio will drive valuable process improvements and model practices, not just within the Development team, but across the entire Kendal System. Laura’s addition to the Kendal System represents our commitment to providing highly capable development and planning expertise that further differentiates Kendal as a leader in the support and delivery of meaningful spaces and places for residents and members.”
Laura holds an MBA in Business Development and Strategy from Ohio State University’s Max M. Fisher College of Business, as well as a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. Her comprehensive educational foundation complements her practical expertise in project management, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
Laura shares, “I’m honored to lead the Development team at Kendal and to champion the values this organization represents. My focus is on delivering predictable and highly successful outcomes for complex projects in support of Kendal Affiliates, spanning initial conception through to stabilization. I’m excited to collaborate across Kendal as we pursue thoughtful yet ambitious expansions and greenfield developments that will shape our shared future as leaders in building meaningful, connected, and healthy communities.”
The Kendal Development team provides leading insight, advice, development advisory and consulting, master planning, and development project management to existing and potential Affiliates. Laura’s appointment reinforces Kendal’s commitment to delivering best-in-class development services and supporting mission-driven senior living communities in their growth and strategic initiatives.
About The Kendal Corporation
The Kendal Corporation is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization supporting a system of high-quality, mission-driven senior living communities and aging services organizations. As a leader in community-centric collaboration and support, Kendal combines universal Quaker values with institutional development expertise to help independent not-for-profit communities strengthen operations, execute growth strategies, and amplify mission impact while retaining local governance. With a growing portfolio of strategic planning, development, and operational consulting services, Kendal serves as the development partner of choice for mission-aligned communities navigating growth and transformation. For more information, visit kendal.org.