News Summary
Aegis Living has appointed Dirk Burghartz as its new President, succeeding Sandra Preyale. Burghartz brings over 35 years of luxury hospitality experience and aims to enhance resident experiences through innovation in health technology and memory care design. His hands-on approach will focus on compassion and excellence by integrating with staff to understand their needs. Aegis Living, recognized for its workplace environment, is poised to embrace innovative practices under Burghartz’s leadership, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence.
Redmond, Washington — Aegis Living, a national leader in assisted living and memory care, has appointed Dirk Burghartz as its new President, effective July 7, 2025. Burghartz succeeds Sandra Preyale, who is retiring after seven years in the role. His appointment aligns with Aegis Living’s commitment to reimagine and innovate within the assisted living sector.
Dwayne J. Clark, the Founder and CEO of Aegis Living, emphasized that Burghartz stood out among more than 70 candidates, citing his blend of head, heart, and guts as key attributes. Burghartz brings over 35 years of luxury hospitality experience, primarily from his tenure with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. His extensive background also includes his recent role as President of Arcis Golf, where he significantly increased operational revenue from $300 million to $500 million.
In his new position at Aegis Living, Burghartz will be responsible for overseeing operations, team development, and driving innovation across 39 existing assisted living communities and several new projects in development. The company has identified crucial areas for enhancement, such as health technology, culinary wellness, and improved memory care design, all aimed at elevating resident experience.
Burghartz aims to cultivate a culture of compassion and excellence within Aegis Living. He plans to spend his initial months integrated within the company’s communities, learning directly from the staff who provide essential care to residents. His personal connection to the assisted living sector is notable; both of his parents have recently moved to an assisted living facility in Germany, which has given him firsthand insight into the needs and dynamics of such environments.
As Burghartz transitions to his new role, he and his wife, Kelly, are relocating from Dallas to the Pacific Northwest. They express eagerness to become active members of their new community.
Aegis Living has garnered recognition in recent years, with accolades from Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 for its exemplary workplace environment and support systems for parents and families. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to employee well-being, which aligns with Burghartz’s vision for operational excellence and team collaboration.
The leadership change at Aegis Living represents a significant step forward for the company as it looks to embrace innovative practices within the assisted living landscape. Burghartz’s rich background in luxury hospitality is expected to enhance Aegis Living’s already strong reputation while driving forward-thinking changes that meet the evolving needs of residents and their families.
As he takes on this leadership role, stakeholders will be watching how Burghartz’s experience and insights translate into actionable strategies that benefit both staff and residents, ultimately solidifying Aegis Living’s place as a leader in the industry.
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- Le Lézard
- Wikipedia: Assisted Living
- Senior Housing News
- Google Search: Assisted Living
- McKnight’s Senior Living
- Google Scholar: Assisted Living Innovation
- PR Newswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Assisted Living
