Hebrew SeniorLife's Leadership Transition Set for Feb. 15

BOSTON --(Business Wire)--

Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL (News - Alert)), the largest provider of senior health care and senior living in New England and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, announced today that Len Fishman, CEO, will step down on Feb. 15, and Lou Woolf, the organization's President since 2009, will take over as President and CEO. The planned transition was originally announced in June of 2012.

In making the announcement, HSL Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Silver thanked the two for their collaboration. "Both Len and Lou worked closely over the past nine months to create and implement a textbook transition," said Silver.

"We as an organization have made great strides under Len's leadership in redefining the experience of aging for today's seniors," said Lou Woolf, HSL's President and CEO. "I look forward to building upon the foundation Len has put in place to establish HSL as an unequalled provider of integrated healthcare and senior living services, driven by research in aging. We will continue to innovate in these areas to ensure seniors have access to the right care, in the right place and at the right time. By helping seniors reimagine their potential, we have the opportunity to positively impact their quality of life."

Hebrew SeniorLife is the second largest nonprofit in the state according to the Boston Business Journal, and the 38^th largest employer.

"It has ben a privilege to work with the thousands of HSL staff members and volunteers whose dedication makes it possible for this organization to take the lead in researching, rethinking and redefining the possibilities of aging," said Fishman. "As the nation reforms its healthcare system, HSL is uniquely positioned to set the standard for senior care delivery and support services."

"Len is leaving an outstanding legacy of strong leadership and innovation which has positioned HSL as one of the leading senior services organizations in the country," said Silver. "We wish him the best and are eager to see what he tackles next in his career. Moving forward we are determined to build upon the foundation he set, further defining-and delivering--what it means to age in America today and in future generations."

Prior to joining HSL in October 2009, Woolf was executive vice president and chief operating officer at Partner's Healthcare System's North Shore Medical Center, the second largest community hospital system in Massachusetts. While there, he played a central role in consolidating the operations of Salem Hospital, North Shore Children's Hospital, and Union Hospital. Prior to that, he spent eight years in leadership at the CareGroup Healthcare System, where he held key positions including EVP and COO of New England Baptist Hospital and SVP, System Development and Communications for CareGroup corporate.

To hear more from President and CEO Lou Woolf on how HSL is redefining the aging experience, visit: http://youtu.be/fOCInHul2tU.

About Hebrew SeniorLife

Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching and redefining the possibilities of aging. Based in Boston, the non-profit, non-sectarian organization has provided communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers since 1903. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit www.hebrewseniorlife.org or connect on Twitter, Facebook or our blog.

Note: Annual ranking of the largest non-profits in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal is based on assets and excludes hospitals and universities.