We are caring and committed to transformation. We are what’s next.

Mary Leary

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mary brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in senior living, hospitality services, and health care to guide Mather in expanding its leadership presence in senior living, community-based programs, and applied research.
Mary previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Classic Residence by Hyatt, the senior living affiliate of Hyatt Corporation, where she oversaw the start-up and day-to-day operations of 18 senior living communities including more than 6,000 residents. She also provided technical assistance services and sales and marketing oversight for communities under development, valued at nearly $1 billion.

Mary is a member of the executive board of the American Seniors Housing Association; the operator advisory board of the National Investment Center (NIC) as well as the research committee and active adult focus area committee of NIC; the advisory board of Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures; and the board of Churchill Casualty LTD.

Previously, she served on the board of Caring Communities Insurance Company, a Reciprocal Risk Retention Group, chairing its risk committee.

She founded Novare^®, a national consortium of single-site and small-system CCRC Life Plan Community providers, serving as chair for its first 10 years.

She earned a master’s degree in health policy and management from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in business/health services administration from Cornell University.

Mary Ages Well by spending time with family, traveling, and experiencing new things.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Mary has received notable industry recognition, including being featured in the 2024 edition of The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Seniors Housing published by ASHA/Senior Care Investor. She was inducted into the Continuing Care/Life Plan Community Hall of Fame (Class of 2023) for her extraordinary achievements and contributions to the development of Life Plan Communities. That same year, she was named an Agent of Change in the first-ever Pinnacle Awards from McKnight’s, which honors top industry veterans who set new standards, drive change, and inspire others. For three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024), she was recognized as one of the Top 5 Wellness Executives in senior living in North America, receiving a Top 5 Pinnacle Award for her outstanding dedication to fostering thriving wellness cultures. Evanston Chamber of Commerce selected her as their 2024 Nonprofit/Public Service Person of the Year in recognition of her visionary leadership of Mather. She has also been named a 2020 Changemaker by Senior Housing News, recognizing leaders driving the future of senior living and received the 2021 LeadingAge Illinois Leadership in Action Award. And in 2019, Mary was named to the inaugural Hall of Honor in the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards, recognizing top leaders in the field of senior living.

Meredith Boyle

Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

Meredith acts as a catalyst for innovation in developing strategic partnerships, collaboration, and alliances that support Mather’s mission, vision, goals, and values. She works to incorporate innovative practices and approaches to senior living, while expanding affiliations and relationships with senior living providers, organizations, and educational institutions to increase Mather’s reach and grow the number of older adults the organization serves.

She brings more than 30 years of strategic and results-driven industry experience, with expertise in marketing, sales, branding, finance and enterprise growth.

Meredith earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Delaware.

She Ages Well by sailing and by traveling with her family.

Christopher Manella

CPA, Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer

With many years of experience in financial management, Chris is responsible for the integrity of Mather financial statements and accounting operations, as well as budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. He leads the organization’s treasury function, including responsibilities for cash and working capital management, bank relationships, and financing. He also oversees tax reporting and external financial audits.

Before joining Mather, Chris was Director of Accounting for CC Industries Inc. and served as a Division Corporate Controller for Flextronics International.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.

Chris Ages Well by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.

David Murlette

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SENIOR LIVING

David oversees the operations of all Mather senior living residences, including Mather’s Life Plan Community in Tysons, Virginia, that will open in early 2023.

With 30 years’ experience in senior living, David brings a wealth of experience in managing Life Plan Communities across the country. He joined Montereau in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as Chief Operating Officer in 2006, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer for 12 years.

Prior to Montereau, David served as SVP of Operations for CRSA in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was responsible for operational oversight of six Life Plan Communities in five states, and the Corporate Culinary Services division, which provided oversight and programs to 26 communities across 15 states.

David holds a Dietary Manager’s Certification from Midwestern State University.

David Ages Well by walking lots of miles and playing golf.

Mary Schoeggl

Chief Financial Officer

Mary serves as a strategic business partner in supporting the continued growth of Mather, and oversees our organization’s investments, accounting/finance, information technology, and risk management.

With more than 35 years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the senior living industry. Previous to Mather, Mary held several key positions at Pacific Retirement Services Inc. (PRS) in Medford, Oregon, including Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Development, Vice President of Operations, and Chief Financial Officer.

She holds a bachelor or science in Business Administration from Southern Oregon University.

Mary Ages Well by traveling, golfing, boating, and spending time with her family and friends.

Joe Zajdel

Senior Vice President of Business Development

Joe is responsible for overseeing senior living development efforts, including site acquisition, entitlements and regulatory approvals, and design and construction management—as well as providing ongoing support to existing communities.

He is also responsible for market research, investment modeling, project/business planning, and obtaining equity and construction financing.

Joe has played a major role in more than $300 million of development at Mather, and currently oversees more than $650 million in new development projects. In 2010, he was appointed to the National Investment Center’s Future Leaders Council and serves as Liaison for its Leadership Development group.

In addition to earning his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Joe earned his master of business administration degree from the University of Chicago with a specialization in finance and a concentration in economics.

Joe Ages Well by playing guitar, listening to music, and enjoying food and wine.