Rose Villa Senior Living’s Byrd to Step Down as CEO
July 12, 2023
PORTLAND, OR — Rose Villa Senior Living’s board of directors has announced that CEO Vassar T. Byrd plans to explore new growth and development opportunities beyond Rose Villa. Byrd has been with the nonprofit life plan community since 2006, and her decision follows the completion of Rose Villa’s 10-year campus redevelopment.
A departure date has not yet been set, and Byrd will continue serving as CEO while an executive search is underway.
“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together at Rose Villa,” said Byrd. “It is deeply meaningful to be involved with a community like this and make a difference. Vision and innovation are vital in the senior living field — and about the most rewarding focus a person can have. My goal is to continue making a difference and improving the lives of everyone connected with senior living.”
In 2014, Byrd spearheaded the comprehensive campus redevelopment that included an award-winning design, environmentally conscious construction, and an innovative approach to sustainable living. It includes two zero-energy neighborhoods and a grey water reclamation system called ROSIE (Recycled Organic Stuff is Everywhere), which is expected to save approximately 300,000 gallons of clean water annually. The redevelopment added a Creative Arts Building; a wellness center with a gym, yoga fitness studio, and a saline pool complete with a slide and lazy river; and two dining venues. Rosebud Preschool opened on campus in the spring of this year.
“Vassar’s vision to re-imagine Rose Villa is making a real difference in people’s lives today, and will for generations to come,” stated Board President Glenn Rodriguez, M.D. “And through our on-site preschool, Rosebud, we’ll see the social impact and value of bridging generations.
“We thank Vassar for her vision and leadership,” Rodriguez continued, “and for inspiring others to think big and make changes to improve standards of care and community living.”
Rose Villa, an independent nonprofit life plan community in Portland, consists of 262 independent-living homes on a 22-acre campus. It is recognized as one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal and is listed among the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon and the Top 100 Best Green Workplaces by Oregon Business Magazine.