The Kendal Corporation Names Byrd CEO
December 5, 2023
NEWARK, DE — Following a nearly year-long, deliberate, inclusive, and extensive process, The Kendal Corporation’s Board of Directors has announced Vassar Byrd as its next chief executive officer. Byrd, who was formerly the CEO of Rose Villa Senior Living in Portland, Oregon, will begin her new role January 9, 2024.
“It is with optimism and excitement that we welcome Vassar Byrd to the Kendal family,” said Kendal’s Board chair, Annetha Hall, in a press release. “Vassar brings a tenured career in our sector including most recently leading an innovative, forward-looking organization. She has wide-ranging experience, a background in both economics and gerontology, and most importantly, a true passion for making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Prior to joining Kendal, Byrd was CEO of Rose Villa Senior Living, a nonprofit life plan community she had served for 17 years. Byrd’s departure follows the completion of Rose Villa’s 10-year master plan and campus redevelopment. She also has recently served as president of LeadingAge Oregon’s Board of Directors.
“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead such a unique and valuable organization,” said Byrd. “The core values of Kendal, as a Quaker organization, are compelling. In particular, the principles of respect and collaboration — welcoming every view to the table — are the path to the future. The strength and hope of this framework allow everyone to play a vital part in the vision of transforming the experience of aging, together.”
Amy Harrison, who has served as interim CEO since the beginning of the year, will resume her role as chief financial officer upon Byrd’s start with Kendal.
“Amy has served our organization with grace and a true dedication to keeping Kendal on course during this time, and the board and I are so very grateful for her efforts,” said Hall.
“It is a particular pleasure to have the opportunity to work with a colleague like Amy, who has provided such steady leadership over the past year as interim CEO,” said Byrd.
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by its Values and Practices, Kendal is a not-for-profit organization whose 11 operating affiliates provide independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation care. Kendal-affiliated senior living communities are in New Hampshire; New York; Massachusetts; Virginia; the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area; Illinois; Pennsylvania; Ohio; and California.
