Derek Doke Gains Chief Investment Officer Title in Aegis Senior Living Leadership Transition

Aegis Senior Living has announced a sweeping leadership succession that will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Derek Doke, elevating him to a dual position as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer, effective July 27, 2027.

The transition, timed to coincide with the company's 30th anniversary, will also see President Dirk Burghartz assume the combined title of President and Chief Executive Officer. Founder Dwayne J. Clark, who has led Aegis since its 1997 founding, will step back from day-to-day operations and become Executive Chairman, remaining engaged in the company's vision, culture, and long-term strategy.

Derek Doke's Expanded Mandate

The addition of the Chief Investment Officer title to Derek Doke's existing CFO responsibilities signals a broadening of the finance function at Aegis Senior Living. The move comes as the company operates 37 communities across Washington, California, and Nevada, with additional communities in development. The combined CFO and CIO role positions Doke to oversee both financial management and capital allocation decisions as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Clark will remain CEO while transferring day-to-day executive responsibilities to Burghartz and Doke through Q2 of 2027, according to the company's announcement. Clark said he plans to spend much of that period visiting Aegis communities across the West Coast.

"Aegis is not just a company to me — it is my life's work," Clark said. "Watching Dirk, Derek, and this incredible team lead Aegis into its next chapter is the greatest gift a founder could ask for."

A Planned Succession at a Strengthening Moment for Senior Housing

The leadership change is unfolding against a backdrop of improving fundamentals across the senior housing sector. Occupancy across primary markets tracked by NIC MAP reached 89.5% in the first quarter of 2026, marking the 19th consecutive quarter of gains, before rising further to 89.9% in the second quarter. Independent living occupancy reached 91.3% and assisted living reached 88.4% in that period. Average occupancy across NIC's 31 primary markets surpassed 90% in July 2026.

Supply constraints are reinforcing the occupancy trend. New units under construction have fallen to the lowest level since 2012, with year-over-year inventory growth running below 1.0% for multiple quarters. Seniors housing investment reached a decade high of $24 billion, while construction starts declined sharply from recent peaks in both primary and secondary markets. Average monthly rents across the sector rose to $5,479, up 28.8% from pre-COVID levels.

For private-pay operators like Aegis Senior Living, tighter supply and rising occupancy improve pricing power and create conditions for margin expansion. The company reported occupancy in the mid-80s as recently as 2024, suggesting room to benefit from the broader market's upward trajectory.

Burghartz Takes the Helm; Clark Stays Engaged

Burghartz joined Aegis Living in 2025 as President following a career in hospitality and operations that included roles at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. His background aligns with the company's long-standing positioning as a hospitality-driven operator of assisted living, memory care, and lifestyle communities.

"Dwayne built Aegis into a company that stands alone in our industry," Burghartz said. "It is the honor of my career to be entrusted with the next chapter. Our commitment is simple: protect what makes Aegis extraordinary. Residents, families, and team members can expect the same culture, the same standards, and the same relentless pursuit of excellence."

Clark reflected on the transition in the company's announcement. "When I started, I wanted to build something extraordinary — the finest staff, the highest quality of care, the most beautiful communities, and a culture unlike anything our industry had seen," he said. "I can say with tremendous pride that we accomplished that goal — not because of me, but because of the incredible people who chose to build Aegis with me."

Clark added: "I am not going away, and I am not really retiring. What I am doing is entrusting Aegis to the next generation of leaders so this company can thrive for another 30 years and beyond."

Company Background and Market Position

Founded in 1997, Aegis Senior Living operates 37 communities across Washington, California, and Nevada and says it has served more than 60,000 residents and families since its founding. The company has operated more than 60 communities over its 29-year history and has received recognition for its architecture, sustainability, dining programs, and workplace culture.

Clark has also served as founder and host of the EPIC conference, an invitation-only leadership and longevity summit, and is a nationally bestselling author. He is relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona, following the transition.

The formal leadership handoff is scheduled for July 27, 2027, the date of the company's 30th anniversary.