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← The Áegis Living DifferenceLeadership team

The people shaping a different kind of senior living.

Family owned since 1997. Our executives bring deep experience from hospitality, healthcare, finance, technology, and operations — united by a commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

Dwayne Clark

Dwayne Clark

Founder, CEO & Chairman

Dwayne J. Clark is the Chairman, CEO, and founder of Áegis Living. With nearly 40 years of senior living experience, Clark is nationally known for redefining the industry—from innovative care models and building design…

Dirk Burghartz

Dirk Burghartz

President

With more than 35 years of global experience in luxury hospitality and operations, Dirk Burghartz brings a unique blend of five-star service excellence, cultural leadership, and purpose-driven management to the senior…

Adam Clark

Adam Clark

President of Áegis Development LLC

Adam Clark is President of Áegis Development LLC. Based on a foundation of award-winning developments, Áegis Development LLC was created to pursue future site development for Áegis Living operations and to leverage our distinct strengths in this area more broadly in the industry.

Troy Nelson

Troy Nelson

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer at Áegis Living, Troy provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the company’s expanding community portfolio. With nearly two decades of global operational expertise, Troy excels in driving growth and leading complex businesses.

Ashleigh Pedersen

Ashleigh Pedersen

VP of Enterprise Culinary Services

Ashleigh is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and completed her dietetics training program through Seattle Pacific University and University of Washington. Prior to joining Áegis Living, she worked in acute care settings, including Adventist Health and Legacy Health, as well as at US Foods.

Julie Ambachew

Julie Ambachew

Vice President of Clinical Operations, Continuous Improvement, and Regulatory

Julie has been a registered nurse for over 20 years, with her focus over the last 15 being on nursing leadership. She is a strong resident advocate who promotes excellent resident care and outcomes, with a focused passion on supporting those with dementia and mental health needs.

Kristine Schrudder

Kristine Schrudder

Vice President of Sales

As Vice President of Sales at Áegis Living, Kristine brings nearly 15 years of senior living sales and marketing experience — and a track record of turning strategy into occupancy growth at scale. Most recently,…

Derek Doke

Derek Doke

Chief Financial Officer

With over 25 years of expertise in commercial real estate and asset management, Derek Doke leads Áegis Living’s investor relations with a focus on strategic growth and maximizing asset value.

Derek Mullens

Derek Mullens

Chief People Officer

Derek joined Áegis Living as Chief People Officer in 2023 and is responsible for carrying an important legacy into the future. When Dwayne Clark founded Áegis in 1997, he set out to create a people-first culture where team members and residents thrive.

Steve Geissler

Steve Geissler

General Counsel

With a legal career spanning leading brands like Eddie Bauer, Nintendo, and Hitachi, Steve Geissler brings a wealth of strategic legal expertise to Áegis Living.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

Head Physician

As a quadruple board-certified physician, Dr. Raj Dasgupta specializes in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine. Recognized for his exceptional skills and dedication, Dr. Raj has received numerous awards, including resident and fellow of the year.

Judy Meleliat

Judy Meleliat

President Emeritus

Judy Meleliat first joined Áegis Living as Chief Marketing Officer, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening the brand, driving growth, and building high-performing sales and marketing teams.

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Help us redefine what senior living can be.

We promote from within, support career growth through programs like ELEVATE and EPIC, and treat every team member like family.