News Summary
Aegis Living has appointed Dirk Burghartz as its new President, succeeding Sandra Preyale. Burghartz, with over 35 years in luxury hospitality, aims to innovate and enhance care within the assisted living sector. His leadership is expected to drive advancements in health technology and culinary wellness across Aegis Living’s communities, reflecting a commitment to quality and compassionate service for residents.
Seattle Announcements: Aegis Living Names Dirk Burghartz as New President to Lead Innovative Changes in the Assisted Living Sector
Seattle, WA — Aegis Living, a prominent national provider in the assisted living and memory care industry, has appointed Dirk Burghartz as its new President, effective July 7, 2025. This strategic leadership change underscores the company’s commitment to redefining and innovating within the assisted living sector.
Key Appointment and Leadership Transition
Burghartz replaces Sandra Preyale, who served as President for seven years before her retirement. The decision was instrumental in guiding Aegis Living through a period of growth, and Burghartz was selected from over 70 candidates due to his unique blend of skills, including strong leadership, compassion, and strategic vision. Senior leadership expressed confidence that Burghartz’s expertise will help propel Aegis Living’s mission forward, emphasizing quality care and innovative services.
Professional Background and Expertise
Dirk Burghartz brings over 35 years of experience in luxury hospitality management, primarily with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. His career highlights include roles such as President of Arcis Golf, where he successfully increased company operations from $300 million to $500 million. He has led large teams of over 6,000 employees and earned recognition for his respected leadership style and focus on excellence.
Most recently, Burghartz served as Executive Vice President of Operations at LIFE Properties International, focusing on private club communities. His background in high-end service environments has given him an extensive understanding of delivering personalized, quality experiences, which he aims to translate into the assisted living industry.
Responsibilities and Strategic Vision at Aegis Living
In his new role, Burghartz will oversee operations, team development, and innovation across Aegis Living’s existing 39 communities and upcoming projects in development. The company is emphasizing advancements in health technology, culinary wellness, and memory care design to offer residents holistic and sophisticated care options.
There is a focus on creating a culture of compassion and excellence, with Burghartz aiming to foster teamwork and shared goals throughout the organization. His approach includes spending time within the communities to understand staff and resident needs firsthand, ensuring that the company’s values align strongly with delivery of care.
Personal Motivation and Future Outlook
Burghartz’s interest in the assisted living industry was influenced by personal experiences, as both of his parents recently moved into a care facility in Germany. This has provided him with a deeper understanding of the importance of quality care and environment in residents’ lives.
Alongside his wife Kelly, Burghartz is relocating from Dallas to the Pacific Northwest. The couple is eager to integrate into the local community and contribute to the region’s assisted living landscape.
Company Recognition and Industry Position
Aegis Living has earned notable recognition in recent years, including being named in Newsweek’s lists of top workplaces in both 2024 and 2025. The company is known for its strong support for families and its innovative approach to senior care, with a focus on technology and personalized wellness programs.
This leadership appointment signals Aegis Living’s strategic direction towards continued growth, innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The company’s emphasis on combining hospitality expertise with senior care aims to set new standards in the assisted living sector.
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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

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