Executive Director Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA)., Fort Myers, Florida, United States, 33916
Overview
Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Marieb College of Health & Human Services (MCHHS) invites nominations, inquiries, and applications for a seasoned leader to join the Institute as its next Executive Director (ED) for the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging. The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging was established in 2022 as a university-wide entity to strengthen interprofessional inquiry on aging and the life course, with the aims of advancing research to optimize the aging experience of a wide range of populations and preparing future leaders for the field of gerontology. The Institute integrates education, scholarship, and service. Southwest Florida, one of the fastest-aging regions in the nation, presents opportunities for FGCU to lead in healthspan, aging, and lifespan innovation, drawing on faculty, staff, and student expertise across FGCU to foster an interprofessional community and collaborate with community, governmental, and industry partners focused on aging and healthspan. Reporting directly to the Dean of MCHHS and serving as a member of the MCHHS Administrative Team, the incoming Executive Director will provide effective leadership and direction in implementing the Institute’s vision, mission, strategic plan, and core values. The ED will shape and execute the Institute’s strategic priorities in alignment with FGCU and MCHHS goals. The college is finalizing architectural plans for a new academic building to support growth, with a renewed focus on interprofessional education and emerging technology. The ideal candidate will foster a welcoming, collaborative environment and possess an entrepreneurial mindset, advancing sustainable programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities that expand the Institute’s impact across FGCU, the College, and the Southwest Florida community. Required Candidate Qualifications: Demonstrated senior leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, public health, business, or related sectors focused on aging, community development, or health innovation. Earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution/program in a health-related field or nonprofit management. Demonstrated fundraising, nonprofit management, advocacy leadership, or creating substantial leads including experience growing programs, partnerships, or organizations through grants, philanthropy, contracts, or earned revenue. Excellent communication skills with an ability to engage and inspire various stakeholders across academia, community organizations, industry, philanthropy, and government. Evidence of visionary leadership, exceptional communication, financial management, political savvy, collaborative attitude, and an entrepreneurial spirit with demonstrated ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes. Five or more years of relevant experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or organizations. Preferred Professional Experiences and Characteristics: Demonstrated knowledge of gerontology, the socioeconomic needs of the aging population, and state and federal guidelines governing senior services. Expertise in securing funding streams including grants and donations, and experience working within institutional approval, compliance, and governance structures. Experience working with advisory councils, coalitions, or cross-sector partnerships to advance shared goals and accountability. How to Apply Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Florida Gulf Coast University in this search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be submitted by
Feb 9, 2026 . Appointment will be made at an out-of-unit faculty rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience on a 12-month out-of-unit multi-year appointment basis available (as early as March 2026). We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments: A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position A current résumé/curriculum vitae Please submit full application packets
here. Nominations, inquiries, and questions should be directed to: Denice Perdue Senior Executive Search Consultant deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com Andriel Dees Vice President of Executive Search andrieldees@greenwoodsearch.com Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your projects or scholarship unless requested. All submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. Finalists will be notified if additional materials are requested. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Applications will be available for public review upon request.
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Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Marieb College of Health & Human Services (MCHHS) invites nominations, inquiries, and applications for a seasoned leader to join the Institute as its next Executive Director (ED) for the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging. The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging was established in 2022 as a university-wide entity to strengthen interprofessional inquiry on aging and the life course, with the aims of advancing research to optimize the aging experience of a wide range of populations and preparing future leaders for the field of gerontology. The Institute integrates education, scholarship, and service. Southwest Florida, one of the fastest-aging regions in the nation, presents opportunities for FGCU to lead in healthspan, aging, and lifespan innovation, drawing on faculty, staff, and student expertise across FGCU to foster an interprofessional community and collaborate with community, governmental, and industry partners focused on aging and healthspan. Reporting directly to the Dean of MCHHS and serving as a member of the MCHHS Administrative Team, the incoming Executive Director will provide effective leadership and direction in implementing the Institute’s vision, mission, strategic plan, and core values. The ED will shape and execute the Institute’s strategic priorities in alignment with FGCU and MCHHS goals. The college is finalizing architectural plans for a new academic building to support growth, with a renewed focus on interprofessional education and emerging technology. The ideal candidate will foster a welcoming, collaborative environment and possess an entrepreneurial mindset, advancing sustainable programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities that expand the Institute’s impact across FGCU, the College, and the Southwest Florida community. Required Candidate Qualifications: Demonstrated senior leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, public health, business, or related sectors focused on aging, community development, or health innovation. Earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution/program in a health-related field or nonprofit management. Demonstrated fundraising, nonprofit management, advocacy leadership, or creating substantial leads including experience growing programs, partnerships, or organizations through grants, philanthropy, contracts, or earned revenue. Excellent communication skills with an ability to engage and inspire various stakeholders across academia, community organizations, industry, philanthropy, and government. Evidence of visionary leadership, exceptional communication, financial management, political savvy, collaborative attitude, and an entrepreneurial spirit with demonstrated ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes. Five or more years of relevant experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or organizations. Preferred Professional Experiences and Characteristics: Demonstrated knowledge of gerontology, the socioeconomic needs of the aging population, and state and federal guidelines governing senior services. Expertise in securing funding streams including grants and donations, and experience working within institutional approval, compliance, and governance structures. Experience working with advisory councils, coalitions, or cross-sector partnerships to advance shared goals and accountability. How to Apply Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Florida Gulf Coast University in this search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be submitted by
Feb 9, 2026 . Appointment will be made at an out-of-unit faculty rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience on a 12-month out-of-unit multi-year appointment basis available (as early as March 2026). We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments: A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position A current résumé/curriculum vitae Please submit full application packets
here. Nominations, inquiries, and questions should be directed to: Denice Perdue Senior Executive Search Consultant deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com Andriel Dees Vice President of Executive Search andrieldees@greenwoodsearch.com Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your projects or scholarship unless requested. All submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. Finalists will be notified if additional materials are requested. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Applications will be available for public review upon request.
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