Meet the Leader: President and CEO Sara McVey
Sara McVey serves as the President and CEO of Sequoia Living, a position she has held since 2019. She is recognized for her leadership in the senior living sector. Sequoia Living, under her guidance, is a non-profit dedicated to providing homes and services for older adults in Northern California. The organization's mission focuses on enriching the lives of seniors through joyful living environments and services, guided by values such as service and integrity.
Sara McVey's Professional Journey
Sara McVey's career in senior living includes prior roles at Horizon House and executive positions at Mather Lifeways. Her background also includes experience in advertising and marketing. She holds a BA and an MBA.
Sequoia Living's Services and Reach
Sequoia Living operates four Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offering various levels of care, along with three affordable housing communities. Additionally, the organization's community service programs support approximately 2,300 seniors across Northern California.
The Role of a Non-Profit CEO in Senior Care
A non-profit CEO in senior care, such as Sara McVey at Sequoia Living, is primarily focused on the organization's mission and community impact. Key responsibilities include setting strategic direction, managing finances responsibly, engaging in external relations and fundraising, overseeing operations, and collaborating with the Board of Directors.
Comparison: Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Senior Living Leadership
| Feature | Non-Profit Leadership (e.g., Sequoia Living) | For-Profit Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Driver | Mission-driven, focused on community and resident well-being; profits reinvested | Maximizing profit for shareholders; services designed to increase revenue |
| Financial Management | Budgeting emphasizes stewardship and long-term financial health to support the mission | Financial performance focused on increasing profitability |
| Accountability | Accountable to the Board of Directors, residents, staff, and community | Primarily accountable to shareholders and investors |
| Decision Making | Prioritizes resident care, community services, and mission | Weighs financial outcomes and return on investment heavily |
| Community Focus | Strong local or regional focus with deep community integration | May be part of larger corporate structure with less emphasis on local ties |
Healthy Aging and the Role of Community
Sequoia Living supports healthy aging through its emphasis on community and engagement, reflected in its motto, “Never Stop Growing”. The organization aligns with expert recommendations that highlight the importance of social connections, mental stimulation, and physical activity for the well-being of older adults.
Through its various communities and community services, Sequoia Living aims to provide opportunities for residents to remain active and connected, embodying its commitment to joyful and purposeful lives.
Conclusion
Sara McVey is the President and CEO of Sequoia Living, a non-profit organization focused on providing quality homes and services to enrich the lives of seniors in Northern California. Her leadership contributes to the organization's mission of promoting healthy and joyful aging. The non-profit model supports the reinvestment of resources into enhancing resident experiences and expanding programs. Understanding the leadership and mission of Sequoia Living offers insight into its role in the senior care sector.
For more information on the principles of community-based senior living, {Link: LeadingAge website https://www.leadingage.org/about}.
