January 9, 2026 —The Kendal Corporation (TKC) is pleased to announce a significant strategic evolution with the creation of a new Chief Growth Officer (CGO) position and the formation of a dedicated cross-functional Growth Team. Max Ault has been promoted to serve as the inaugural CGO, a role designed to consolidate strategic efforts in Affiliate development, greenfield expansion, and emerging signature programs and services across The Kendal System. This structural change marks a decisive shift from reactive to proactive growth, ensuring the rigorous evaluation and proper resourcing of all future expansion opportunities.
The establishment of the CGO role enables Kendal to provide clear strategic leadership and integrated execution across development activities. By centralizing these efforts, Kendal aims to strengthen the entire Kendal System and individual Affiliate partners. This new structure ensures that growth is pursued in alignment with Kendal’s values and aimed at enhancing the organization’s mission.
To support this vision, the newly formed TKC Growth Team will integrate capabilities from Development, Marketing, Finance, and Operations. This multi-disciplinary team is charged with building expanded growth infrastructure, articulating system value, and supporting the development and launch of enhanced signature programs and services that further differentiate Kendal as a highly sought after collaborative of aging services leaders and senior living communities.
Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, emphasized the importance of this leadership transition. “I am delighted to announce Max Ault’s promotion to Chief Growth Officer. This absolutely reflects Max’s contributions to TKC and The Kendal System, and his commitment to the disciplined expansion of our collaborative network of high-performing organizations.”
In his new role, Max will lead the effort to articulate system economics and establish a robust pipeline for future development and additional communities or services joining as Affiliates in the Kendal System. The initiative underscores TKC’s commitment to developing field-leading best practices for integrated and multidisciplinary growth by implementing scalable infrastructure and discipline.
“I am deeply excited for this season of focused and intentional growth in the services and value TKC aims to bring to The Kendal System,” stated Max Ault. “Growth is not just about expansion for its own sake but about enhancing Kendal’s mission of impact and service to more communities and older adults who are seeking the culture, values, and support that define the Kendal experience. This work is deeply collaborative and will build on the incredible expertise of colleagues across The Kendal Corporation and Affiliate communities and programs. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable collaborative of Affiliate partners that will serve generations to come.”
Partner with Kendal
The Kendal System remains one of the strongest organizations of non-profit senior-living communities and aging services organizations in the nation, and is optimally positioned to support growth in the number of Affiliates as well as the individual needs of each Affiliate. For stand-alone senior living communities planning ahead, evaluating growth, looking for shared savings or experiencing leadership transitions, Kendal is prepared to listen, answer questions, and help leadership teams understand whether a partnership with Kendal could support their goals. Contact Max at [email protected] to start a conversation.”
About Max
Max joined The Kendal Corporation in January 2025 as Senior Director of Project Integration, where he worked to optimize project implementation and organizational systems, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. Key responsibilities included facilitating cross-departmental initiatives, ensuring timely and budget-conscious project completion, and providing technical and analytical support to the CEO and senior management.
He came to Kendal with over 17 years of expertise in economic and community development, business strategy, and operations where he led efforts that supported more than $250 million in public and private real estate developments. His work spanned projects prioritizing sustainability, resilience, environmental health, and long-term economic impact, which align with Kendal’s values.
About The Kendal Corporation (TKC)
The Kendal Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that supports a system of communities and services for older adults. Founded on Quaker principles of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship, Kendal operates ten affiliates across eight states. The organization is dedicated to transforming the aging experience through lifelong learning, community engagement, and a commitment to excellence in service.
Kendal Affiliates offer a range of services, including 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, D.C., Area; Illinois; Pennsylvania; Ohio and California.
For further information, visit www.kendal.org.