CHICAGO – Chicago-based Senior Lifestyle Corporation has tapped former senior vice president of operations, Keven J. Bennema, to move into its COO position.

“Keven brings a wealth of experience to his new position having begun his career as a caregiver before working his way up the ladder through hard work and his commitment to creating an extraordinary customer experience for all our residents,” said John Cobb, president and chief executive officer of Senior Lifestyle Corporation. “His deep understanding of the industry and his dedication to seniors care are essential to our success as a company for the future.”

Bennema, 39, has more than 16 years of experience in the seniors housing industry starting as a caregiver and then serving in management positions of increasing responsibilities. Prior to joining Senior Lifestyle as senior vice president of operations in 2007, Bennema was vice president of operations development with California-based Summerville Senior Living. During his career, Bennema has overseen operations of more than 95 senior living communities across the country, including assisted and independent living centers, as well as communities focusing on care for dementia and memory loss.

“I firmly believe that our staff and how they interact with our residents each and every day at all of our communities are the primary reasons our residents enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives,” said Bennema. “My vision for how we operate our communities comes from looking through their eyes as well as through the eyes of our residents and their families. I am as strongly committed to the satisfaction and retention of our current customers as I am in attracting new residents.”

Among Senior Lifestyle’s recent customer service efforts was a decision to cap rent increases to no more than 3 percent at each of the company’s more than 70 properties, even freezing rent rates in some instances.

“These are difficult times, and we understand that,” said Bennema. “We are not just here to do things right, but to do the right thing.”

Bennema holds a bachelor’s degree from Aurora University and an MBA in health care administration from Cleveland State University. A resident of Naperville, Ill., Bennema is a licensed nursing home administrator.

About Senior Lifestyle Corporation
Chicago-based Senior Lifestyle Corporation, founded in 1985, is a leader in the development, operation and ownership of seniors housing and the implementation of innovative programs that help seniors enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a portfolio of more than 70 communities, Senior Lifestyle offers independent living for every economic level, from luxury to mid-market to affordable. Daily services and activities are tailored to the needs and preferences of each community’s residents. For residents who require additional care, many communities also offer assisted living and skilled nursing care. Long recognized among the industry’s top companies by the American Seniors Housing Association, Senior Lifestyle was included as the 12th largest owner of seniors communities on National Real Estate Investor’s list of the top 50 companies in 2008. Additional information is at www.seniorlifestyle.com.