Merrill Gardens Adds Werdel, Medley to Senior Leadership Team

June 20, 2024

SEATTLE, WA — As Merrill Gardens continues to grow, the company has announced the addition of Melanie Werdel and Madisen Medley to its senior leadership team.

Werdel is now vice president of risk management for Merrill Senior Living and sister company Pillar Properties. She has more than 30 years of experience in senior living including her tenure as a member of the senior leadership team at Emeritus. Prior to joining Merrill Gardens, Werdel was a consultant to senior living companies, tapping into her expertise in healthcare, compliance, and administration. Werdel is also one of the original senior living leaders to partner with Washington State University to develop the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living.

Medley has taken on the newly created role of vice president of business development where she is focused on Merrill Gardens’ continued portfolio growth. Medley brings extensive operational, financial, and legal experience in senior living to her new role. Prior to joining Merrill Senior Living, Medley was with Leisure Care for 10 years, most recently as the vice president of new business.

“As our company grows, we are thrilled to have these two long-time industry leaders join the Merrill Senior Living team,” said President Tana Gall in a press release. “I have known and admired both Melanie and Madisen for many years, and along with being delightful to work with they both bring a deep knowledge of the industry to our organization.”

Merrill Gardens, a family-owned private company, has been serving seniors for more than 30 years, offering independent- and assisted-living retirement communities across the country. Based in this city, it currently operates 66 communities in 17 states with 7,000 residents and 4,000 team members, along with two communities in China. Truewood by Merrill is the company’s award-winning middle-market offering.