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A New Era Begins: Meet the Next Generation of Watermark Leadership

April 17 2025
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Watermark Retirement Communities® is proud to introduce the next chapter of its leadership — a dynamic team of industry veterans and forward-thinkers who are ready to take senior living to bold new heights.

With decades of combined experience spanning operations, finance, healthcare, development, and legal strategy, this next-generation executive team is poised to continue building on Watermark’s legacy of innovation, well-being, and service excellence.

Leading With Experience, Vision, and Purpose

As the needs and expectations of today’s seniors evolve, so must the approach to leadership in senior living. Our new C-suite brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to performance-driven growth, empowering teams at every level to thrive.


Meet Our New Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Paul Boethel

With 19 years of experience on both the operations and capital sides of the industry, Paul brings a strategic lens and a passion for innovation to Watermark’s future. His focus is clear: performance, growth, and delivering exceptional experiences.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Jeff Slichta

Jeff joined Watermark in January 2025, bringing 29 years of senior living experience. Known for his commitment to accountability and operational excellence, Jeff is already making a significant impact.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Hanneke Talbot

A seasoned finance leader with a strong background in audit and real estate, Hanneke is leveraging data-driven insights to optimize performance across all communities.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Sheila Donahoe

With more than 15 years in senior housing, Sheila leads Watermark’s marketing, staffing, and systems strategy, ensuring Watermark scales with purpose and precision.

General Counsel

Chris Bouchard

With 12 years of experience in senior living legal operations, Chris guides Watermark’s risk management and compliance efforts with skill and care.

Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

Bryan Schachter

A Watermark veteran of 18 years, Bryan continues to drive asset management and new development, strengthening the organization’s long-term foundation.

Senior Living Is Changing — And So Are We

Today’s residents are looking for more than just care. They’re seeking purpose, community, and total wellness. The senior living industry has shifted from a brick-and-mortar focus to one that integrates personalized wellness, data-driven decision-making, and new ownership and operation models.

Our leadership team reflects this shift. With backgrounds spanning operations, capital investment, and multi-site management, they bring fresh perspectives and decades of proven success.

Together, they’re carrying forward the Watermark legacy built by founders David Freshwater and David Barnes and are preparing to lead our communities into an even brighter future.


“We are proud of the rich history and fingerprint Watermark has had on senior living over the past 30 years and excited to usher in the next chapter of growth and success in caring for our current and future residents and associates.”

— Paul Boethel, CEO