Brookdale President and CEO Cindy Baier recently spoke at an event hosted by a Nashville-based law firm and shared insights she has gained during her journey from growing up on a small-town farm in Illinois to becoming the head of America’s largest senior living company. Known as the “Waller Women’s Breakfast”, this annual event is hosted by the Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis law firm in conjunction with the National Investment Center’s (NIC) Fall conference. It’s a networking and educational event for women within the senior living industry, which was held virtually this year.
Baier spoke candidly about the challenges her company has faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and praised Brookdale’s residents, patients, their families, and the company’s associates for their strength in a time of crisis. Baier said, “I will never be able to express the depth of my admiration and gratitude for the dedication and commitment of Brookdale’s associates through this crisis. Every single day has been filled with amazing actions that have demonstrated their passion and courage to protect our residents and patients as much as possible.”
While many women work in the senior living industry and there are more women in leadership roles than in the past, Baier said it seems there is still work to be done. She is pleased that Brookdale has made great progress in recent years related to diversity on its Board of Directors and in its executive ranks, and she wants that progress to continue throughout the organization. Baier pointed out that the best way to achieve this is by having a diverse slate of qualified candidates for open positions and then hiring the best candidate, regardless of background.
