Civitas Senior Living Appoints Misti Powell to Board of Directors; Amy Vittitow Expands Role as Chief Experience Officer

January 5, 2026

Civitas Senior Living announced today the appointment of Co-Founder Misti Powell to its Board of Directors, joining Chairman Wayne Powell, as part of the organization’s ongoing leadership evolution. In tandem, Co-Founder Amy Vittitow will take on expanded responsibilities in her role as Chief Experience Officer, further strengthening Civitas’ people-centered leadership structure.

Misti Powell, Chief Program Officer and Co-Founder of Civitas Senior Living, brings more than two decades of senior living experience to the board. Since co-founding Civitas in 2012, she has been a driving force behind the company’s programs, policies, and operational standards, with a consistent focus on residents, families, and employees.

Misti’s senior living career began in 2003 with what was meant to be a temporary receptionist role at a skilled nursing community. She went on to hold marketing, wellness, and Executive Director roles at the community level before co-founding Civitas alongside Wayne Powell, Jay Dempsey, Cooper Vittitow, and Amy Vittitow.

At Civitas, Misti initially served as Wellness Director, helping build the company’s foundational programs, training systems, and operational processes. She later held executive leadership roles including Vice President of Operations and Senior Vice President of Culture Development. Her work has been instrumental in the creation and ongoing refinement of Civitas’ company-wide wellness, activity, and operational programs, including the organization’s signature Passion Program.

“Misti has always been a steward of our culture,” said Wayne Powell, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of Civitas Senior Living. “Her voice, experience, and perspective have shaped Civitas from the beginning. Her appointment to the board formalizes the role she has long played in guiding our people and our purpose.”

Alongside Misti’s board appointment, Civitas announced that Amy Vittitow will expand her scope as Chief Experience Officer. She will continue in her current role while taking on additional responsibility supporting team development, organizational alignment, and the employee and resident experience across the company.

Amy’s senior living career began in home health before she joined Wayne and Misti Powell in 2007 at The Courtyards at River Park as Community Relations Director. She later co-founded Civitas in 2012 and has since led the development of the organization’s sales infrastructure, marketing systems, training platforms, and brand presence.

In her expanded role as Chief Experience Officer, Amy will assume additional responsibilities aligned with her vision for elevating both employee and resident experiences.

“Amy is the perfect leader with the heart, drive, and love for our residents, families, and employees to lead Civitas into this next chapter,” said Misti. “I am excited for what 2026 will bring as Amy continues to strengthen the employee experience in service of those we are honored to support.”

“This transition reflects how Civitas has always operated: with intention, heart, clarity, and a deep commitment to people,” said Amy. “Our people are the reason residents choose us and stay with us. Supporting them well supports everything else.”

Civitas Senior Living serves more than 5,000 seniors across a growing portfolio of communities nationwide, supported by a team of over 2,500 employees. These leadership appointments follow the company’s December 1 announcement naming Cooper Vittitow as President and Chief Executive Officer and Wayne Powell as Chairman of the Board, underscoring Civitas’ thoughtful succession planning and long-term vision.

About Civitas Senior Living
Civitas Senior Living owns and operates 32 communities across several states and is known for its resident-centered operations, signature Passion Programming, including “My Miracle Moment,” employee-driven culture, restaurant dining, and commitment to quality. If publishing online, kindly consider including Civitas’ website for more information about the organization.