Following the announcement last spring that longtime Executive Director Cindy Ray would retire after 14 years of service, the Presbyterian Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (PAHSA) Board of Directors launched a search for the organization’s next leader. A committee was appointed to guide the process and that effort resulted in the selection of Susanne Shaw as PAHSA’s next Executive Director.
Shaw brings extensive senior living experience with a background in communications, public relations and marketing. She most recently served for more than 11 years as Communications and Public Relations Manager at Southminster Retirement Community in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her career also includes vendor-side experience and entrepreneurial work in media and service provider platforms. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Virginia and works remotely from Summerville, South Carolina.
Shaw began her role January 26 and will work alongside Ray through the 2026 Spring Conference to enable a smooth transition. To support this succession, Forefront Living (FL) is employing Shaw through a management agreement between FL and PAHSA. Under this model, Shaw is a FL teammate providing Executive Director services to PAHSA while receiving employee benefits and operational support.
“Having industry experience, along with her communications and marketing skills, Susanne is well-equipped for success in member engagement, member recruitment, programming and sponsor recruitment,” said Scott Polzin, FL chief operating officer. “She will be a great asset for PAHSA, and we look forward to working with her at Forefront Living.”
The Board views this leadership appointment and management partnership as an important step forward as PAHSA continues to serve its members in a changing senior living landscape.
Learn more about PAHSA here.
