Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA) has promoted its longtime controller to the chief financial officer role.

Chris Collins is HRA’s new CFO, the Vero Beach, Florida-based senior living operator announced Wednesday. Collins worked as HRA’s controller for the past six years. He is replacing departing CFO Tom Mitchell, who is leaving the job after six years for unspecified family reasons.

“Tom’s six years of service and financial leadership have contributed significantly to HRA’s growth, profitability and success,” HRA President and CEO Sarabeth Hanson stated in a press release. “We will miss his energy, focus and enthusiasm for our company. We are grateful for his many contributions and accomplishments. We wish him and his family well in the years ahead.”

As the company’s controller, Collins was responsible for all aspects of the company’s accounting and corporate finance, including financial planning, investor relations, analysis, solutions and forecasting. Moving forward in his new role, Collins will manage the accounting and finance teams for HRA’s soon-to-be 36 communities nationwide.

Collins has more than 26 years of experience in accounting and operations management, including previous experience as a controller for a multi-location urgent care facility and management company which oversaw 53 skilled nursing facilities and five assisted living communities.

Hospitality and technology are two opportunities Collins hopes to explore in his new role. He also will evaluate the company’s financial policy and procedures to make sure HRA’s communities aren’t bogged down with administrative work.

“[My goal is] to work with the operators to develop new ways to measure the business to ensure we are being good stewards,” Collins told Senior Housing News. “[And] look at ways to better use technology to streamline processes.”

Written by Tim Regan