Royal Oaks is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Lauder as the retirement community’s new Executive Director, effective April 6. Lauder’s appointment follows a rigorous national search launched after the retirement announcement of longtime leader Kendra Eberhart, who served Royal Oaks with distinction for 38 years.

Lauder, an Arizona native with deep roots in the local community, joins Royal Oaks as a seasoned nonprofit executive specializing in healthcare. Among other roles, she previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Healthcare Group and Chief Operating Officer of Copa Health. She holds a Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of West Georgia. Her blend of clinical and executive business experience makes her uniquely suited to lead Arizona’s premier Life Plan Community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the Royal Oaks family,” said Gretchen Cobb, CEO of Aventur, the parent organization of Royal Oaks. “Through our search, it became clear that Lauren possesses not only the experience and vision to navigate the future of senior living, but also a profound commitment to the values and service that our residents and their families expect.”

For Lauder, the transition to Royal Oaks is both professional and personal. Growing up in Arizona, she has fond memories of visiting her grandmother in Sun City, spending afternoons at the retirement community pool — an experience she credits with shaping her perspective on the importance of family connections in senior environments.

“I’m passionate about senior living because I believe in providing a community that allows people to thrive with dignity and respect,” said Lauder. “There are forty thousand reasons why I am excited to be here, but they all lead back to the quality of care and the relationships we build. I look forward to continuing the rich heritage of Royal Oaks while ushering us into our next chapter.”

Founded in 1983 with a vision to redefine retirement living, Royal Oaks has grown into one of Arizona’s most respected Life Plan Communities. With a mission of “empowering people to live an engaged, inspired, vibrant life,” Royal Oaks offers a welcoming environment with hundreds of Independent Living villas, garden homes, and apartments, along with thoughtfully designed spaces for Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Complete Supportive Living.