News Summary
Aegis Living has appointed Dirk Burghartz as its new President, succeeding Sandra Preyale. Burghartz brings extensive experience from the luxury hospitality sector, and his leadership aims to help innovate the senior care industry. He plans to focus on health technology, culinary wellness, and memory care design while fostering a compassionate culture within the organization. Burghartz’s personal connection to assisted living fuels his commitment to enhancing the resident experience as he relocates to the Pacific Northwest.
Aegis Living Names Dirk Burghartz as New President in Bellevue
Bellevue, WA — Aegis Living, a prominent provider of assisted living and memory care services, has announced the appointment of Dirk Burghartz as its new President, effective July 7, 2025. This leadership change is part of the company’s broader initiative to innovate and enhance its approach within the senior care industry.
Leadership Transition and Selection Process
Burghartz steps into the role following the retirement of Sandra Preyale, who served as President for seven years. The company’s founder and CEO, Dwayne J. Clark, emphasized that Burghartz was chosen from over 70 candidates. His selection was based on a combination of strong leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and decision-making skills, often summarized as a blend of *head, heart, and guts*.
Professional Background and Experience
Despite a non-traditional background for senior leadership in senior care, Burghartz brings extensive experience from the luxury hospitality sector. Over the past 35 years, he has worked primarily with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, serving as a classically trained chef and hotel executive. His leadership roles include serving as President of Arcis Golf, where he successfully increased operations revenue from $300 million to $500 million. Throughout his career, he has led teams of more than 6,000 employees and earned a reputation as a well-respected leader among colleagues and industry peers.
Most recently, Burghartz was EVP of Operations at LIFE Properties International, overseeing private club communities. His diverse background in managing high-end services and large teams positions him to bring innovative approaches to Aegis Living’s operations.
Strategic Goals and Focus Areas
In his new role, Burghartz will oversee operations, team development, and innovation across 39 existing communities and several new developments underway. Aegis Living aims to further differentiate itself by focusing on advancing health technology, culinary wellness, and memory care design.
Additional strategic priorities include fostering a unified organizational culture rooted in compassion and excellence. Burghartz plans to spend initial months within the communities to learn directly from staff and residents, ensuring that future initiatives are grounded in their needs and feedback.
Personal Motivations and Community Engagement
Burghartz is relocating from Dallas to the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Kelly, and expressed enthusiasm for becoming an active member of the local community. His personal experiences with assisted living are also motivating factors; both of his parents recently moved into a facility in Germany, giving him firsthand insight into the industry’s importance.
Recognition and Industry Position
During recent years, Aegis Living has received recognition for its workplace environment and support for families, including ranking by Newsweek as a top employer in 2024 and 2025. The company’s focus on innovation and caregiving excellence aligns with its commitment to providing high-quality senior living experiences.
Conclusion
The appointment of Dirk Burghartz marks a significant step for Aegis Living as it seeks to redefine assisted living through innovative practices and compassionate care. His extensive leadership background across luxury hospitality and community management is expected to contribute to the company’s ongoing growth and transformation in the senior care sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
