Case Studies
Representative senior living leadership searches and the challenges behind them.
CASE STUDY
VP/COO Replacement Requiring RCFE and LNHA Licensure
After the VP/COO placed by LM Hurley advanced to CEO, Hollenbeck Palms again retained LMH to identify a replacement with specialized credentials, operational depth, and the leadership style to support a historic not-for-profit CCRC.
The ChallengeHollenbeck Palms needed a new VP/COO following an important leadership transition. Erika Castile, previously placed by LM Hurley as VP/COO, had advanced to President/CEO, creating the need for a successor who could support her leadership and help guide day-to-day operations.
The role required more than general senior living experience. Hollenbeck Palms needed an operator with the regulatory knowledge, licensure, and hands-on leadership ability to support a multi-level senior living campus that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The right candidate also needed to fit the culture of a long-established not-for-profit community with deep history, long-tenured staff, strong resident expectations, and a board that cared deeply about continuity, stewardship, and mission. This was not simply a credential-driven search. It was a repeat-client assignment to find a VP/COO who could bring regulatory depth, operational discipline, and collaborative leadership to Hollenbeck Palms’ next chapter.The SearchLM Hurley & Associates built the search around a very specific leadership profile: a current senior living operator with both the licensure and practical experience to support complex campus operations. The search focused on candidates with skilled nursing and residential care knowledge, CCRC operating experience, financial and census discipline, and the ability to partner effectively with a new CEO, board members, department leaders, residents, and staff. Because cultural fit was especially important, LMH evaluated candidates for more than credentials. We looked closely at leadership style, emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, and the ability to respect a long-standing culture while helping the organization modernize systems, strengthen accountability, and improve operating rhythm. The ResultThe search resulted in the selection of a VP/COO candidate with the dual licensure, operational experience, and leadership temperament Hollenbeck Palms needed. The selected candidate brought hands-on senior living and skilled nursing operations experience, a calm and collaborative leadership style, and a practical understanding of census, staffing, systems, compliance, and resident experience. During the interview process, he made a strong impression as a knowledgeable, current operator who could support Erika as CEO while helping the community move forward with discipline and respect for its culture. |
SEARCH SNAPSHOT CLIENT Hollenbeck Palms Search Model Retained Executive Search ROLE Vice President of Operations / COO with Dual License TIMELINE Offer accepted within 60 days of engagement SEARCH ACTIVITY 308 outbound calls 99 candidate conversations, 36 resumes received FINALISTS Two finalists advanced; one selected 
What Made It Complex
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Why This Search Mattered
This search demonstrated the value of a long-term recruiting relationship. Hollenbeck Palms returned to LM Hurley after a prior LMH placement advanced to CEO, trusting the firm again during another important leadership transition.
The assignment helped the new CEO build the senior operations support she needed while strengthening continuity, regulatory depth, and operating leadership for a complex not-for-profit CCRC.
The assignment helped the new CEO build the senior operations support she needed while strengthening continuity, regulatory depth, and operating leadership for a complex not-for-profit CCRC.
