Watermark Appoints Healthcare Executive to New COO Position

March 26, 2019

TUCSON, AZ—Watermark Retirement Communities has appointed Karen Mlawsky to the newly-created post of chief operating officer. Mlawsky will oversee care and services at all senior living communities Watermark operates nationwide. Previously a hospital executive, she comes aboard as part of Watermark’s strategic growth plan. Her focus will include upholding company culture as Watermark expands its operations and innovates services for senior health and wellbeing.

Before joining Watermark, Mlawsky was senior vice president and COO of TMC Healthcare in Tucson. The 650-bed community teaching hospital offers geriatric, medical, surgical, hospice and other services. Her 30-year career in acute care also includes senior executive positions with the University of Arizona Health Network and The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She received a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Arizona.

“We have established the COO position and appointed Karen at a key juncture for our company,” said Watermark President and CEO David Barnes. “She will help ensure that as we grow, we sustain Watermark’s culture of helping seniors thrive. Additionally, with her acute care expertise, she will be invaluable in developing more practices that improve residents’ quality of life by lowering the need to be hospitalized or be readmitted after treatment.”

Watermark currently operates more than 50 senior living communities. It recently assumed management of six in California and Arizona and has more under development in Los Angeles, California’s Napa Valley, New York City, Tucson and other locations. Based in Tucson, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 13th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association.