Leading With Heart: Meet Paul Taylor, Executive Director at Rockland Place

Get to know the people who make Rockland Place feel like home. In this associate spotlight, we’re introducing Executive Director Paul Taylor (second from the left in the orange shirt), whose leadership style is rooted in empathy, creativity, and connection.

When Paul Taylor stepped through the doors of Rockland Place in June 2024, he knew something felt different. “I felt part of the group as soon as I walked through the door,” Paul recalls. Residents, families, and associates welcomed him not just with curiosity, but with genuine interest in who he was and what he envisioned for the community. Ten months later, that feeling of belonging hasn’t faded — it’s only deepened.

A Leader Who Listens

Paul brings more than two decades of experience in senior living to his role as executive director. What stood out to him about Rockland Place and Watermark as a whole was the openness he encountered.

“Residents, families, and staff wanted to get to know me, were not afraid to ask questions, and really seemed to listen to my background and what I felt I could bring to the community,” he said. “The leadership team here did not shy away as I posed questions and felt comfortable enough to have candid conversations when needed. I can say the same for Watermark as a company.”

Paul also appreciates the autonomy he’s been given as a leader. “Rockland Place is the first community I have actually sat as the executive director where I am truly allowed to lead and act as the CEO of the community and make decisions based upon what would be best for our situation without fitting a ‘cookie cutter’ mold.”

“It’s Not No We Can’t; It’s ‘How Can We?’”

Paul’s leadership style is rooted in creativity and curiosity. “I am a person who likes to be imaginative with what we can do and how we can do it,” he said. “We will never be able to meet all requests, mainly due to regulatory concerns, but if it is within our guidelines, we are able to challenge ourselves to create solutions to best meet the needs and desires of the community. I like to say, ‘It’s not, no we can’t; it’s how can we?'”

A Birthday Surprise To Remember

Paul is not one to sit back and watch. He leads by example and connection. He shared a recent story about a new resident moving into the Pathways neighborhood who was reluctant to leave home. “This person’s spouse was the main person doing everything for the move and was having difficulty even being able to have a phone conversation with us in order to get everything in place for the move,” Paul explained. To make the experience more comfortable, Paul and the resident care manager decided to surprise the new resident on their birthday.

“On the morning of the move, myself and [the] resident care manager drove the community van to the house and surprised the new resident as birthday escorts and a chauffeured ride to the birthday celebration,” he said. After chatting and playing with the resident’s dog, they made their way back to Rockland Place. “Upon entering the community, there was no hesitation, friends were made quickly, and the celebration was very much appreciated.”

A New Chapter, Rooted in Family

Paul has spent much of his adult life dedicated to senior care, working full-time while earning his master’s degree and securing licenses and certifications across multiple states and specialties. During that time, he also watched his daughters grow into young adults with jobs of their own. “All of this to say, I need to find what my hobbies and interests are at this point in my life as I appear to be entering a new phase, but family will always be the number one priority.”

Meet Wyatt: Rockland’s Four-Legged Favorite

Paul’s love of family extends to his pets, especially Wyatt, his two-year-old mini dachshund, who’s gained quite a fan base at Rockland Place. “If anyone follows our Facebook page, you would see him in photos frequently as he is here every Wednesday, which has been dubbed ‘Wyatt Wednesday’ for the community,” Paul shared.

"He actually does know which day he is 'going to work' and wakes up bouncing all over the place and cannot wait to get here.” Wyatt spends his Wednesdays visiting residents, associates, and guests — and he’s become a beloved fixture. “He loves to see all the residents, staff, and visitors while receiving unlimited love throughout the day,” Paul said. With his open-door approach, creative problem-solving, and love for connecting with others, Paul Taylor is not just leading Rockland Place; he’s enriching the lives of everyone who walks through its doors. Come experience the warmth, connection, and community for yourself. Schedule a visit and see what makes Rockland Place so unique.