Embrace Living Communities Hires Ralph Gaines as Chief Executive Office

Ralph Gaines

Embrace Living Communities has hired Ralph Gaines as chief executive officer. Gaines reports to Scott Meyer, chair of Embrace Living’s Board of Directors and an executive with Willis Towers Watson. He begins work April 20, 2020.

Gaines will be responsible for the effective and successful management of the portfolio of senior living communities and setting the strategic direction of the organization. Embrace Living Communities partnered with Comhar Partners, a Chicago-based executive recruitment firm, to lead the search resulting in this placement.

“We are thrilled to have an outstanding leader like Ralph join our talented team of professionals to lead the direction of our organization,” says Meyer. “The Board and I are confident in his abilities and are excited about the bright future of Embrace Living Communities.”

Gaines, an accomplished CEO, brings with him more than 30 years of private sector business experience leading both large and small company cultures. Most recently, Gaines served as the COO for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he was responsible for bringing business solutions to the department’s strategic planning initiatives and bridging public and private investment to build sustainable communities of opportunity and social awareness. Prior to his tenure at HUD, Gaines was president and CEO of BeBetter Health, a national population health management company.

Says Gaines, “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding team of mission driven employees whose important work enhances affordable senior living communities.”

Gaines lives in Chicago with his wife, Colby, and daughters Madison and Caroline.