Personnel

Rich DeLong Announced as Executive Director of New Panama City Independent Living Community

March 19, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, FL–SRI Management LLC, one of the fastest growing privately held management companies in the Southeast, proudly announces the appointment of Rich DeLong as the new executive director of Seagrass Village Panama City Beach Independent Living.

Encompassing 128 units of upscale independent living options for active seniors, the community offers the Village Villas (currently open) as spacious, residential-style floorplans in duplex layouts, as well as The Grand (opening Summer 2019), a three-story apartment-style accommodation option with inclusive resort amenities. In his new position, DeLong will oversee all daily operations and business development, all while developing Seagrass Village of Panama City Beach to be a community which provides an active sense of wellness and care for its residents.

“A service-minded leader at his core, Rich has an impressive track-record of operating successful senior living communities, driving census and resident retention as well as transforming the mindset of seniors as they transition to this next phase of their lives,” said Don Bishop, chief executive officer, SRI Management. “We know he will bring a service-oriented, active lifestyle culture to Seagrass Village, ensuring quality resident experiences to create a personalized, local community.”

Boasting 20+ years of experience leading and serving in the senior living sector, as well as an extensive career in recreation, teaching and coaching, DeLong brings a diverse background of skills well-aligned with the SRI Management core values of character, compassion and commitment to residents, families and owners alike. Before moving to the Florida Panhandle, he served for nearly 20 years as an executive director, advancing and leading communities for management companies including Magnolia Manor, Five Star Senior Living and most recently, Georgia Living Management.

Through his tenure, he has been recognized frequently for both his significant professional achievements, as well as his dedication as a community volunteer, named a Rotarian of the Year and Volunteer of the Year for the Council on Aging, among many other awards and accolades. DeLong holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in Education from Georgia Southwestern State University.

“My previous positions as executive director for two top senior care providers fueled my passion for our aging population,” said DeLong. “I’m excited by the opportunity to develop Seagrass Village as a positive, personal and profitable business, providing quality lifestyle options for each resident. My approach in running a successful community is simple—hire great people, provide them with the tools they need to do their jobs well and then step back and be here to support them, guiding us all to seek service above self.

Since its inception in 2000, SRI’s leadership has consistently sought to be in the forefront of changes in the industry and forging strong relationships with owners. Each SRI-managed property seeks to achieve optimal results in all areas of operations, including resident care, associate satisfaction and retention, and financial performance. SRI currently manages 23 independent, assisted living and memory support communities, encompassing over 2,000 units.

 

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