R.D. Merrill Company Promotes Doug Spear to CIO, Names Patricia Handjaja CFO
September 20, 2026
SEATTLE — R.D. Merrill Company, parent company of Merrill Gardens, has promoted Doug Spear to chief investment officer and appointed Patricia Handjaja as chief financial officer.
In his new role, Spear leads growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, investor relations, debt and equity capital activities and long-term development strategy. He also oversees investment and capital planning for Merrill Gardens and Pillar Properties, the company’s real estate development and management division.
Spear has been with R.D. Merrill Company for 27 years and has held roles supporting the organization’s growth and financial strategy.
As chief financial officer, Handjaja oversees financial, accounting, treasury and risk management functions. She also works with Spear and the executive team on capital strategies supporting the company’s long-term growth objectives.
Handjaja brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across real estate, hospitality, investment management, lending and family office operations. Most recently, she served as chief financial officer of Shelter Holdings, where she led finance, accounting, treasury, tax strategy and capital markets activities across a portfolio of businesses.
Before joining Shelter Holdings, Handjaja spent 14 years with Noble House Hotels & Resorts, advancing from corporate accountant to chief financial officer.
Merrill Gardens is a family-owned senior living provider with 56 communities in 16 states.
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