Willow Valley Communities Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Willow Valley Communities has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic leadership, operational management, financial oversight, and information technology.

Dedicated to providing premier retirement living, Willow Valley Communities fosters an environment of purpose and vitality for residents through high-quality independent living, townhomes, and comprehensive retirement services.

Leadership Roles at Willow Valley Communities

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Hawthorne
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Legeer
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Dennis Griest
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer - Marsha Kauffman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - David Haverstick
  • Lisa Hawthorne - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Hawthorne, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Willow Valley Communities, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Hawthorne architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the delivery of exceptional retirement living experiences across all Pennsylvania campuses. By aligning departmental goals with the mission of providing high-quality independent living, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for resident satisfaction and community engagement. Hawthorne collaborates with the Board to secure the financial health and operational sustainability of the enterprise. Through consistent focus on market expansion and service excellence, Lisa Hawthorne drives the organization toward future milestones. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors industry trends to adapt service models, ensuring the community remains a leader in the retirement sector. This leadership role requires balancing complex regulatory requirements with the compassionate delivery of care, ultimately strengthening the reputation of the organization within the broader regional market.

    Lisa Legeer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Legeer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Willow Valley Communities, manages the daily execution of corporate policies and resident-focused programs. Legeer oversees the integration of wellness initiatives and lifestyle services that define the retirement living experience. By coordinating with department heads, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that operational workflows support the diverse needs of residents in independent living and townhome settings. Lisa Legeer prioritizes the cultivation of a vibrant community culture, emphasizing social connectivity and personal growth for all members. The President & Chief Executive Officer evaluates performance metrics to optimize service delivery and resource allocation across the organization. Through proactive leadership, Legeer maintains high occupancy rates and strong resident retention. This role involves constant refinement of community amenities and health services to meet evolving market demands, ensuring that the organization continues to provide a premier living environment for seniors throughout the region.
    Lisa Legeer

    Dennis Griest - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Dennis Griest, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Willow Valley Communities, manages the fiscal health and capital planning for the organization. Griest architects robust financial strategies to support the expansion of retirement living communities and the maintenance of existing infrastructure. By overseeing budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and long-term economic stability. Dennis Griest collaborates with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities and manage risk across the enterprise. This leadership role involves monitoring cash flow and revenue streams to sustain high-quality service delivery for residents. Through meticulous financial analysis, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to guide strategic decision-making. Griest maintains strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, ensuring that the organization possesses the resources required to fulfill its mission of providing exceptional retirement living options.

    Marsha Kauffman - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Marsha Kauffman, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer at Willow Valley Communities, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the organization. Kauffman architects secure data management systems that protect resident information while streamlining administrative processes. By overseeing the integration of new software solutions, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer enhances operational efficiency across all retirement homes and independent living communities. Marsha Kauffman manages the intersection of financial planning and technology investment, ensuring that digital tools support the overall business model. This leadership role involves evaluating cybersecurity protocols and upgrading network capabilities to meet modern standards. Through the implementation of advanced technology, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer improves communication between staff and residents. Kauffman ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of innovation, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize resource allocation and maintain a competitive edge in the retirement living market.
    Marsha Kauffman

    David Haverstick - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    David Haverstick, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Willow Valley Communities, directs the day-to-day operations of all retirement homes and independent living facilities. Haverstick architects efficient systems for facility maintenance, dining services, and resident support programs. By overseeing the logistical requirements of the campus infrastructure, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless service delivery for all residents. David Haverstick manages cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of safety and comfort across the entire organization. This leadership role involves analyzing operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Through strategic oversight of regional operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of providing a secure and enriching environment. Haverstick coordinates with other executives to align operational capacity with long-term growth objectives, ensuring that the organization remains a top-tier destination for retirement living in the United States.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Willow Valley Communities Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Willow Valley Communities?
    Willow Valley Communities is led by Lisa Hawthorne (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lisa Legeer (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Dennis Griest (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Willow Valley Communities’s executive team?
    The executive team of Willow Valley Communities includes leaders such as Lisa Hawthorne (President & Chief Executive Officer), Lisa Legeer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Griest (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Willow Valley Communities have?
    Willow Valley Communities has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Willow Valley Communities’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Willow Valley Communities includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Information Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.