Lifespace Communities has named an interim CEO following the departure of Sloan Bentley, who held that position until this month.
Lifespace confirmed the news to Senior Housing News. The Des Moines, Iowa-based not-for-profit senior housing owner and operator named CFO Larry Smith as interim president and CEO.
A senior living industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Bentley was hired as Lifespace CEO in March 2014 after nearly 18 years as president of Seniority. Based in Addison, Texas, Seniority provides management, sales and marketing services and consulting to senior housing communities across the U.S.
During her time at Lifespace, Bentley led the company’s portfolio of 12 communities in seven states, serving about 5,000 residents at a variety of care levels.* It is the 11th largest nonprofit senior housing operator in the country, according to the 2018 LeadingAge Ziegler 200.
Last May, Lifespace and Dallas-based Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC) signed a non-binding letter-of-intent for a merger, which would make the combined company the fifth-largest non-profit senior housing provider in the U.S. Lifespace confirmed talks are ongoing, in an email to SHN.
SQLC, coincidentally, bought Seniority in late 2016.
Lifespace’s board of directors will conduct a nationwide search for a new CEO.
“We are confident in our vision for the future and trust in the expertise of Larry and the entire Lifespace leadership team,” board chair LaVerne Epp said in the statement provided to SHN. “We are looking forward to celebrating many successes in 2019, including the expansion of health services to include the addition of assisted living and memory care at several of our communities.”
*Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article stated that Bentley led the company through a period of acquisition and development. Lifespace announced its intention to merge with SQLC during Bentley’s tenure, but the story has been updated to clarify that its portfolio consisted of 12 communities throughout the time she was CEO.
Companies featured in this article:
Lifespace Communities, Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation, Seniority
