Acts Retirement-Life Communities Names Karen Christiansen as Next CEO

Longtime executive to lead nation's 3rd largest not-for-profit senior living organization starting in 2027

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:52pm

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A highly polished, geometric sculpture made of brushed stainless steel, arranged elegantly on a clean, white background with dramatic studio lighting, symbolizing the leadership transition and continuity at Acts Retirement-Life Communities.A new era of leadership begins at Acts Retirement-Life Communities as Karen Christiansen prepares to take the helm as CEO in 2027.Fort Washington Today

ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, one of the largest not-for-profit providers of senior living communities and services, has announced that its Board of Directors has named Karen I. Christiansen, the current President, as the organization's next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2027. Christiansen will succeed Gerald T. Grant, who is retiring after nearly four decades with the organization.

Why it matters

The appointment of Christiansen as the next CEO of Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a major not-for-profit senior living provider, signals a smooth leadership transition for the organization as it looks to build on its strong foundation and continue serving its communities. Christiansen's long tenure and experience within Acts will allow for continuity in the organization's mission, vision, and values.

The details

Karen I. Christiansen joined Acts in 1996 and has served in several key leadership roles, including Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, before being named President in 2020. She was elected to the Acts Board of Directors in 2023. Christiansen will become Acts' sixth CEO, succeeding Gerald T. Grant, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire after nearly four decades with the organization.

  • Acts Retirement-Life Communities announced Christiansen as the next CEO on March 31, 2026.
  • Christiansen will assume the CEO role on January 1, 2027.
  • Grant will continue serving as CEO through December 31, 2026.

The players

Karen I. Christiansen

The current President of Acts Retirement-Life Communities who has been named the organization's next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2027.

Gerald T. Grant

The current Chief Executive Officer of Acts Retirement-Life Communities who is retiring after nearly four decades with the organization.

Susan Allmond

The Chair of the Acts Board of Directors.

Acts Retirement-Life Communities

One of the nation's largest not-for-profit providers of senior living communities and services.

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What they’re saying

“In selecting our next CEO, the Board prioritized a leader who could advance our momentum while staying true to the mission, vision, and values that define the Acts organization.”

— Susan Allmond, Chair of the Acts Board of Directors

“It is an honor to step into this role and continue serving an organization that has meant so much to me for so many years. Acts stands on a strong foundation built by incredible leaders who came before me, including Jerry Grant, and I am grateful for their example and contributions. I look forward to building on that legacy, supporting our communities, our team members, and the residents we are privileged to serve each day.”

— Karen I. Christiansen

What’s next

Christiansen will officially assume the CEO role at Acts Retirement-Life Communities on January 1, 2027, succeeding Gerald T. Grant, who will retire at the end of 2026 after nearly four decades with the organization.

The takeaway

The appointment of Karen Christiansen as the next CEO of Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a leading not-for-profit senior living provider, ensures a smooth leadership transition that will allow the organization to build on its strong foundation and continue serving its communities with its mission-driven approach.