December 7, 2023
Vassar Byrd will Join Kendal as CEO in January 2024.
The Kendal Corporation’s Board of Directors today announced the selection of the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. Vassar Byrd, formerly the CEO of Rose Villa Senior Living in Portland, Ore., will begin this new role effective January 9, 2024.
Following a nearly year-long, deliberate, inclusive, and extensive process, Kendal’s Board chair, Annetha Hall, shared this news earlier today with the Kendal System.
“It is with optimism and excitement that we welcome Vassar Byrd to the Kendal family,” said Hall. “Vassar brings a tenured career in our sector including most recently leading an innovative, forward-looking organization. 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.”
Prior to joining Kendal, Byrd was CEO of Rose Villa Senior Living, a nonprofit life plan community she had served for 17 years. Byrd’s departure follows the completion of Rose Villa’s 10-year master plan and campus redevelopment. She also has recently served as president of LeadingAge Oregon’s Board of Directors.
I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead such a unique and valuable organization,” said Byrd. “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.
“Amy has served our organization with grace and a true dedication to keeping Kendal on course during this time, and the board and I are so very grateful for her efforts,” said Hall.
“It is a particular pleasure to have the opportunity to work with a colleague like Amy, who has provided such steady leadership over the past year as Interim CEO,” said Byrd.
The Kendal Corporation is a leading not-for-profit organization of aging services and senior living communities with 11 operating affiliates across nine states. For more information about The Kendal Corporation, visit www.kendal.org.
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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, D.C., Area; Illinois; Pennsylvania; Ohio and California.