In an era where talent development is a paramount concern for the senior living industry, a remarkable initiative is setting a new benchmark for leadership cultivation: the George L. Chapman Endowment Fund for Leadership Excellence in Healthcare Real Estate. With an extraordinary $2,622,007 pledged, this fund stands as a tribute to George’s legacy while forging a pathway for the next generation of leaders in seniors housing.
At the heart of this initiative is the Ferguson Centers for Leadership Excellence (CLE), which has raised more than $8 million to support its mission of recruiting and nurturing future industry leaders. This George Chapman Fund achievement ensures that up to 10 CLE Fellows will be recruited annually into the seniors housing sector—perpetually.
A Commitment to Excellence: The CLE Fellows Program
The CLE Fellows Program is more than just a scholarship; it’s a comprehensive leadership pipeline designed to bridge the talent gap in senior living real estate and operations. The program offers three critical benefits:
- Tuition Assistance – Reducing financial barriers for high-potential students who aspire to careers in senior living and healthcare real estate.
- Holistic Mentorship – Providing professional and personal guidance from seasoned executives, ensuring that Fellows gain both technical expertise and leadership acumen.
- Career Placement – Establishing a direct pathway from academia to senior living careers through targeted recruitment and industry partnerships.
Per Bill Ferguson, “George and Leslie Chapman were dear friends of ours, and George was one of the most beloved executives in senior living. This Fund is in honor of his legacy.”
The response from students has been overwhelming. Across CLE’s Collegiate Partner institutions, student interest continues to grow, with more than 200 applicants vying for just 50 sophomore slots in the most recent selection cycle. Each candidate underwent rigorous evaluation based on leadership potential, a minimum 3.6 GPA, and a demonstrated commitment to the seniors housing and healthcare real estate industry.
A Prudent Investment in Leadership Development
The industry’s need for strong leadership has never been more critical. The investment made by the Chapman Endowment and CLE is not only addressing immediate talent shortages but also ensuring long-term sustainability by equipping future leaders with the knowledge, mentorship, and connections necessary for success.
This initiative is particularly significant as senior living faces unprecedented workforce challenges—including an aging population, evolving consumer expectations, and the demand for innovative operational strategies. The CLE Fellows Program is a proactive measure that strengthens the leadership pipeline while reinforcing diversity, equity, and inclusion in an industry that thrives on innovation and compassionate service.
“George loved to read and was focused on improving educational opportunities, especially for those from underprivileged demographics. The foundation recruits diverse students specifically with the aim of introducing them to careers in the senior living industry,” commented Bill Ferguson.
“This group of students struggles to afford college. They’re working three or four jobs, and the scholarship gives them the time and energy to focus on school,” continued Ferguson. ” The recipients are mission-driven and have withstood many obstacles over their careers. They want to do something to really make a difference. Beyond the financial opportunity, recipients also are part of a mentorship program to help them learn to be leaders in the senior living industry.”
The Leadership Committee: Driving the Future of Healthcare Real Estate
The CLE initiative has garnered support from a distinguished Leadership Committee composed of top executives in healthcare real estate and senior living. Representative members include:
- Billy Butcher – Partner and COO, Real Estate, KKR
- John Moore – Retired Chairman & CEO, Atria Senior Living
- Leslie Chapman – Philanthropist
- Scott Brinker – President & CEO, Healthpeak Properties
- William J. Ferguson – President, Ferguson Charitable Foundation
- Taylor Pickett – CEO & Director, Omega Healthcare Investors
- Tom Grape – Founder, Chairman & CEO, Benchmark
- Loren B. Shook – President, CEO & Chairman, Silverado Senior Living
- John T. Thomas – Vice Chair, Healthpeak Properties
- Richard Hutchinson – CEO, Discovery Senior Living
- John Getchey, Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer, ReNew REIT
Spotlight on Inspirational Leadership: Living Beyond Your Dreams
A powerful resource shaping the next generation of leaders is Living Beyond Your Dreams: 11 Principles for Triumphing in Life and Leadership, authored by Bill Ferguson, a book that features career insights from 24 business leaders, including Lynne Katzmann, founder of Juniper Communities, and Patricia Will, founder and CEO of Belmont Village Senior Living.
This book underscores the fundamental need to increase opportunities for diverse leaders as they navigate their way into the upper echelons of corporate America. Too often, college students are unaware of their career options, and industry leaders fail to cultivate diverse talent. Living Beyond Your Dreams provides a roadmap for future generations, offering actionable lessons from top executives who have overcome obstacles to achieve success.
Beyond the Numbers: A Lasting Impact
What makes CLE’s approach truly transformative is its emphasis on building relationships and fostering leadership skills beyond technical expertise. The principles profiled in the book are highlighted in The Unwritten Rules: Inspirational Leadership Lessons from America’s Top CEOs, a key resource provided to CLE Fellows, emphasizing the intangible qualities that define great leaders—resilience, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others.
As The Unwritten Rules outlines, leadership excellence is not solely measured by financial acumen but also by the capacity to build strong, enduring relationships. This ethos is embedded in the CLE Fellows Program, where mentorship and industry exposure provide a real-world foundation for aspiring leaders.
Shaping the Future Together
The Chapman Endowment Fund’s impact extends far beyond its immediate beneficiaries. By investing in talent today, the industry is securing its leadership for tomorrow. The CLE initiative is a call to action for industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and corporate partners to further invest in the future of senior living.
For those looking to support this initiative, there is an ongoing opportunity to contribute to the growth of this fund, ensuring that leadership development remains a cornerstone of the senior living industry. Learn more here.
The George L. Chapman Endowment Fund for Leadership Excellence is more than just a financial commitment; it is a bold vision for the future—one where the senior living sector thrives with the next generation of prepared, passionate, and principled leaders.
