Chris Henger joins REES to lead Senior Living Business Development

DALLAS – REES has hired Chris Henger to lead Business Development for its Senior Living market.

Chris will serve as an advisor to senior living operators as they plan for renovations of existing communities and the development of new communities.

She spent 12 years working in facility operations, sales and marketing for senior living organizations. Chris brings a clear understanding of what owners, operators, residents and their families need.

“Chris comes to REES with a unique perspective on senior living,” said REES Vice President Rob Genter. “Not only has she worked in operations for senior living facilities for many years, but she also lives within an active adult community. Having that first-hand perspective of a resident’s point of view will only enhance how we approach our designs.”

“I understand a community’s multifaceted needs and what makes them thrive,” Chris said. “I’ve personally been on all sides of senior living – first as a family member, then as an operator and now as a resident myself. Logistically, so much thought needs to go into the design of each facility.”

Chris recognizes that senior living is not a one-size-fits-all industry. Active adult communities do not have the same demands as memory care facilities.

“Operators and owners come to REES with a defined set of needs,” Chris said. “I help them translate those into designs that work for them, their communities and their residents.”

It was after caring for an ailing family member in assisted living and memory care that Chris pivoted to a career in senior living after working for a major commercial airline for 14 years.

“We are about to experience a ‘senior tsunami’ with the Boomer generation beginning to retire,” Chris said. “Boomers are choosing to live in active adult communities. This generation isn’t waiting for their family to move them into assisted living once they can no longer care for themselves. Because Boomers are choosing to move at a younger age, they are demanding more. More amenities, more services to keep them active, more dining options, more bling and more bang for their buck. Senior living seems to be transforming to ‘resort living’ and I am excited to see what’s to come for the industry.”

Certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Assisted Living Association as a Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and an Assisted Living Manager (CALM), Chris is dedicated to continually learning about senior living. She has completed educational and training programs related to neuro-linguistic programming, memory care validation therapy and emergency preparedness for assisted living facilities.

Chris’ passion for helping seniors has spilled over into her personal life. She devotes much her volunteer time championing causes related to memory care, literacy in senior adults and providing meals to homebound seniors.

Interested in designing or planning a senior living community? Contact Chris at chenger@rees.com to learn more about how REES can help.