A5: Oh, I didn’t Think of That: Hidden Benefits of Strategic Master Planning
Tuesday, June 16 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Target Audience: Affordable Senior Housing; Service Coordinators; Assisted Living/Personal Care; Governance & Leadership; Home Care + HCBS
As a senior living executive, you know your community needs to evolve – but where do you begin? Whether you’re facing increased competition or simply know it’s time for change, starting a renovation or expansion project can feel overwhelming.You may have ideas. You’ve talked to peers. Maybe you’ve even consulted an architect or builder. But without a clear strategy, you risk wasting time, money, and momentum. Every day you delay is a missed opportunity to elevate your community’s experience and performance.This session is for senior leadership and board members who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and strategic foresight. We’ll introduce the four P’s of strategic master planning:Parameters for success, Predictability in budgeting, Planning to mitigate risks, A Playbook for engaging stakeholders – residents, staff, and board membersWe’ll define a strategic master planning process that moves you from broad vision to actionable roadmap. Starting with an assessment of existing conditions and infrastructure needs, through defining project phases and bringing in the right consultants at the right time. This ensures your capital investments align with long-term goals and deliver measurable value.We’ll also explore six key pillars that drive success in senior living development: Residents, Operations, Design, Entitlements, Construction, and Finance. With the right pre-design team, you’ll make informed decisions early – saving time, reducing risk, and maximizing ROI. Equally important, we’ll explore the human side of planning. Residents don’t just live in buildings – they form emotional connections to the spaces they call home. Changes can impact their comfort, sense of belonging, and daily life. That’s why early engagement, transparent communication, and building buy-in are critical.We’ll share practical strategies for involving residents and staff as co-creators, ensuring your project gains support and reflects how your community truly lives, works, and thrives.
NAB/NCERS
Speaker Information
Partner Design4Age Strategic Advisors
Amy Carpenter is a partner in design4age strategic advisors, a pre-design consulting company focused on pushing the senior living industry forward. Recently named an Environments for Aging Design Champion, Amy has over 25 years of architectural experience focused on senior living design. She has managed the planning and development process for all levels of care, encompassing renovations, expansions and new communities. Amy’s specialized code knowledge and experience shaping our nation’s model building codes and standards sets her apart from her peers. She currently sits on the ICC Health Care code development committee and has served as a committee member for the ICC code development hearing process for the 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024 code cycles. Amy regularly presents to organizations such as Leading Age, Environments for Aging and AIA Design for Aging.
CEO and Founder / Interim CEO, InclusAge Partners / Holy Family Senior Living
Len is a motivational servant leader and executive with more than 25 years of experience across both profit and nonprofit sectors. His career includes roles as Director of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrator, Executive Director, President & CEO, Adjunct Professor, and Consultant. Len is skilled in leading change management initiatives, building strong stakeholder relationships, partnering with boards, and providing leadership coaching and mentorship. His doctoral research focused on guiding transformative changes in LifePlan/CCRCs by engaging residents as key stakeholders. He currently serves as Interim CEO of a regional aging services provider and as an Adjunct Professor in a graduate healthcare administration program focused on leadership and aging services. Len holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Nursing: Executive Leadership from Wilmington University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration.
Partner, Pandion Development Management Services
Kris is a partner at Pandion Development Management Services and has worked as a development and project manager in the not-for-profit senior living market for more than a decades. He has helped numerous LeadingAge members plan, design, and construct successful capital improvements. Pandion’s leadership style acknowledges that a complex building relies on the input of many talented people and seeks to leverage all parties to create a successful outcome.
