Lifespace Communities Elect Resident to Board of Directors
March 27, 2019
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–In a first for the organization, Lifespace Communities, the owner and operator of 12 retirement communities across seven states, has elected a Lifespace independent living resident as a voting member of its Board of Directors. Resident William “Bill” Rich of The Waterford, a Lifespace community in Juno Beach, Florida, assumes the role following a comprehensive selection process. Lifespace is at the forefront of the growing trend in senior living to add a resident of the organization to its board of directors.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Bill as a voting member of the governing body for Lifespace Communities,” said E. LaVerne Epp, Chairman of the Lifespace Board of Directors. “Bill is passionate about making an impact. We believe his background and board experience make him well suited for the fiduciary responsibility of serving as a Lifespace Board member, while also enabling him to bring forward the resident perspective.”
Before retirement, Rich had a successful career in the for-profit sector, where he worked for International Business Machines (IBM) for almost 30 years. While at IBM, he held a variety of positions, including corporate secretary, corporate vice president, and president of the IBM Service Sector Group. He has extensive experience working with national and international not-for-profit organizations, including Covenant House, where he served on the board for eight years. The organization provides shelter and support services to homeless youth in North and Central America.
“The Waterford has been my home for more than a decade, so it’s a great honor and privilege to be the first resident elected to the Lifespace Board,” said Rich. “I’m excited to collaborate with my fellow Board members and the Lifespace leadership team in shaping a bright future for the organization and its residents.”
Rich received his bachelor’s degree from Williams College in Williamstown, MA. He currently serves as treasurer for Hands Together for Haitians, a Palm Beach County not-for-profit that assists Haitian immigrants with assimilating into the United States.
Lifespace Communities, Inc., based in West Des Moines, is a not-for-profit organization recognized by the LeadingAge Ziegler Top 150 as one of the largest not-for-profit senior living provider systems in the country.