LeadingAge CEO Katie Smith Sloan to Step Down
The national aging services leader will depart her role in March 2027 as the organization begins a search for her successor.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Eldercare
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Katie Smith Sloan, the president and CEO of the non-profit organization LeadingAge, announced in September 2026 her plan to step down after 10 years in the role. She will officially depart the organization in late March 2027.
Why it matters
The transition of this 65-year-old organization’s leadership is a significant moment for the aging services sector, impacting the strategic direction of care for older adults across the country. LeadingAge represents thousands of non-profit aging services providers.
Sloan has served LeadingAge for a total of 20 years, with 10 years as president and CEO. The organization is now initiating a search for her replacement that is expected to conclude by April 1, 2027.
The players
Katie Smith Sloan
The president and CEO of LeadingAge who announced her upcoming resignation after 20 years with the organization.
LeadingAge
A 65-year-old national association of non-profit aging services providers that advocates for housing and care quality.
David Gehm
The committee chair tasked with leading the search for the next president and CEO of LeadingAge.
The details
LeadingAge operates as a national association for non-profit organizations focused on housing and services for older adults. Recent initiatives include the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, which invites tech developers to spend two weeks living within member facilities to better understand the practical needs of residents. This focus on innovation is expected to remain a key priority as the search committee, led by David Gehm, evaluates candidates for the future leadership role.
Timeline
September 2026: Sloan announced her departure plans.
Late March 2027: Sloan will officially conclude her tenure as CEO.
April 1, 2027: The organization expects to complete the search for a successor.
The Home Front
LeadingAge is currently shifting toward modernizing senior care facilities through its Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, which embeds tech creators in community settings. This transition comes as the organization prepares for a long-term change in its national executive leadership.
If you or your family members rely on non-profit aging services, you should stay informed about how this leadership transition may affect local provider operations and community programs. Keep a close watch on your specific facility’s communications for any updates regarding the organization's strategic priorities.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at national associations can influence the standards and innovation agendas of your local senior care providers. Families should monitor updates from their own care facilities to see how evolving organizational priorities might impact the services offered in their communities.
What happens next
The search for a successor is scheduled to conclude by April 1, 2027, followed by the planned departure of Katie Smith Sloan in late March 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in senior housing and care options at Eldercare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by McKnight's Long-Term Care News.
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