Sunrise Senior Living COO to Step Down

Sunrise Senior Living, LLC announced on Wednesday the appointment of Chris Winkle as the company’s new chief operating officer, effective Sept. 9, 2013. Winkle will succeed the current COO, Laura McDuffie, who says she’s leaving the organization to focus on her health. 

“We are excited to add such an experienced individual to the strong Sunrise leadership team,” said Mark Ordan, chief executive officer of Sunrise, in a statement. “Chris’ background in operations, particularly in such diverse health care settings, is a unique and truly valuable addition to Sunrise.”

Winkle has more than 30 years of operational experience in the health services and post-acute care industries. He joins Sunrise from MedQuest, Inc., where he has served as CEO for nearly a decade. 

Advertisement

Prior to MedQuest, Winkle was the president and CEO of Mariner Health Care, Inc., a long-term care company with more than 250 skilled nursing facilities.

“While I’m delighted to welcome Chris to the organization, it is very difficult to say goodbye to Laura,” Ordan said. “She has been a strong leader and mentor for our Sunrise teams for 11 years, and her passion for championing the quality of life for our residents has helped us excel. We are grateful for her dedicated service and wish her the best as she focusses on a full recovery.”

During her tenure at Sunrise, McDuffie worked to expand the company’s quality programs and services for residents, and contributed to enhancing the quality, safety, and security at Sunrise communities. Prior to her promotion to COO in January 2013, she served as executive vice president of operations for Sunrise. 

Advertisement

As COO, Winkle’s duties will include overseeing operations in all the company’s communities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, encompassing sales, resident care and programing, development, facilities management, dining, and human resources. He will also have a role in the company’s growth strategy. 

Written by Alyssa Gerace

Companies featured in this article:

,