What is ASHA?
The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) is the nation’s premier organization for executives in the seniors living industry. Our mission is to equip members with the resources and insights they need to serve their clients at the highest level—and to move seniors living forward.
To fulfill that mission, we sponsor industry-leading conferences and networking events, conduct pathbreaking research, educate consumers, and advocate for policies that protect and advance the interests for our members. When you join ASHA, you become part of a diverse community of accomplished and influential professionals dedicated to improving the lives of older people and their families.
ASHA is the industry thought-leader promoting quality and innovation, advancing industry knowledge through research, exchanging strategic business information, and influencing legislative and regulatory matters.
Upcoming Meetings
ASHA membership grants you access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced executives in senior living, with events that bring incredible value, and high-impact organization for industry leaders.
2026 Mid-Year Meeting
Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, CA
View DetailsJoin us June 16-17 for our 2026 Mid-Year Meeting, which will take place at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, CA.
ASHA’s Mid-Year Meeting is open to the Executive Board and Advisory Committee level members as well as those in the Rising Leaders program. If you are an Associate level member and are interested in upgrading your membership in order to participate, please contact Megs Bertoni at [email protected].
Only ASHA members may participate in our conferences.
2026 Chairman’s Circle Event
Park Hyatt, Washington, DC
View DetailsJoin us September 23-24 for our 2026 Chairman’s Circle Event which will take place at the Park Hyatt, Washington, DC..
ASHA’s Chairman’s Circle Event is an exclusive meeting for those members who make a personal contribution at the Chairman’s Circle level ($2,500 – $5,000) for the 2026 Seniors Housing PAC campaign.
For questions about the event or to make a pledge / contribution, please contact Sheff Richey at [email protected].
2026 Rising Leaders Dinner
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Chicago, IL
View DetailsExclusive event for participants of the Rising Leaders Program. To inquire about the program, please contact Megs Bertoni ([email protected]) for questions about the Rising Leaders Program. Additional details about this event will be available soon.
Member News
ASHA President David Schless to Receive Alzheimer’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 19,2026 – The American Seniors Housing Association, ASHA, is delighted to announce that its President, David Schless, will be honored at the 12th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Vision Gala. Schless will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2026 gala is hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area chapter.
“Dave has been a longtime supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, a steadfast champion of our cause, and an advocate for people and families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Joanne Pike DrPH, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Since 2014, ASHA members have raised more than $51 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association efforts to accelerate Alzheimer’s and dementia research, drive risk reduction and early detection, and maximize quality care and support,” Pike added. “As President of the American Seniors Housing Association, Dave’s vision and ability to unite ASHA members around a shared purpose leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to transform lives well into the future.”
The Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Vision Gala will be held on Friday, May 8 in Washington, D.C. at Grand Hyatt Washington. Since its inception, this annual event has raised nearly $11 million to support vital care, services and fueling groundbreaking research to discover new treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
David Schless is humbled to receive this year’s lifetime Achievement Award. “I generally prefer being behind the scenes to be perfectly honest,” said Schless, “But having been involved in the Vision Gala going way back, I view this recognition as an opportunity to engage as many of my senior living friends and colleagues as possible. The Vision Gala has long-standing ties to seniors housing and has honored a number of people over the years who I have the deepest respect and admiration for.”
“One of the great privileges of my professional life has been the opportunity to work side by side with ASHA members to raise awareness and funds to support the outstanding, multifaceted efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association,” Schless added.
For more information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities for the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Vision Gala visit www.alz.org/VisionGala or contact Evan Griggs at [email protected] or 703.766.9006
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CONTACT:
Jeanine Genauer – Principal, Chief Communicator
JPR Group, LLC – Public Relations
330 Passaic Avenue, Suite 205, Fairfield, NJ 07004
(973) 980-0100
www.jprgroup.com
About David Schless
David Schless is President and CEO of the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), the leading national organization representing owners and operators of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and life plan communities. He launched ASHA at age 25 under the National Multifamily Housing Council and has since helped shape national policy, research, and investment perspectives on senior living. His background spans gerontology, public policy, and long-term care research. David is being recognized in 2026 by the Alzheimer’s Association with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts. Dave has been selected for his longtime support of the Alzheimer’s Association, being a steadfast champion of their cause, and an advocate for people and families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
About ASHA
The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) is the premier national organization representing owners, operators, developers, and investors in the seniors housing industry. ASHA advocates on federal policy, produces industry-defining research, and provides thought leadership on issues shaping independent living, assisted living, memory care, and life plan communities. Learn more at ashaliving.org
ASHA Sponsorships
ASHA greatly appreciates the support of its many sponsors, who in turn benefit through the good will and added visibility generated by event and research sponsorships. Check out some of our recent sponsors
