Sacramento, October 23 – The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) Board of Directors today announced that President and CEO Sally Michael will retire in June of 2025 after 25 years of service to the organization. 
“I have been honored to represent the incredible members of CALA and lead our committed staff in carrying out the important work of supporting California’s Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities,” said Michael. “I am extremely proud of what CALA and our members have accomplished over the past two decades in working to enrich and improve quality of life for hundreds of thousands of assisted living residents.”
“Sally’s contributions to senior care in California and to CALA’s member companies have been extraordinary,” said CALA Board Chair Ron Mead, Vice President of Operations for Senior Resource Group. “Under her leadership, Sally has amplified the voice of Assisted Living at the State Capitol and provided critical resources to member organizations. Her work has empowered senior living providers to deliver exceptional care to their residents and we are forever grateful for her service.”
Michael informed the CALA Board of Directors of her planned retirement this past summer. Upon receiving that news, the Board put into place a transition plan which culminated today in the announcement of Heather Harrison as CALA’s new President and CEO. To facilitate a smooth transition, Michael will remain with CALA through the first half of 2025.
Harrison, who has been with CALA since 2001, will assume the new role on Jan. 1, 2025. She previously held the positions of Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Public Affairs, Vice President of Public Policy and Public Affairs and Director of Public Policy with the organization. Prior to joining CALA, Harrison worked for LeadingAge California and was a Committee Consultant for the Assembly Committee on Health.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve CALA’s members and their residents in this leadership role,” said Harrison. “Our partnership in delivering what member companies need to
provide the very best experience for Assisted Living residents is critical and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”
“We are thrilled to have Heather Harrison step into the role of CALA President and CEO,” said Danielle Morgan, President and COO of Clearwater Living and CALA Transition Committee Chair. “Heather brings a wealth of experience, incredible leadership ability and a true commitment to elevating senior living in California. The organization and our members are fortunate to have her leading us into the future.”
About CALA: The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) is the only association solely representing the state’s Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, which encompass Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. CALA represents over 660 providers and more than 150 associated businesses. Our provider members range from small, independently operated communities to large, multi-national organizations, and from providers that cater to an active lifestyle to ones that specialize in caring for residents with dementia.
####
Contact: Kevin Swartzendruber
(916) 448-1900, ext. 44
