DURHAM, N.H – The RiverWoods Group, northern New England’s largest family of not-for-profit Lifecare communities, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kim Gaskell to the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Previously serving as Vice President of Operations, Kim will continue to oversee operations across The RiverWoods Group while expanding her focus on strategic initiatives that strengthen the organization’s future. In her new role, she will lead efforts to identify and evaluate innovative programs, services, partnerships, and operational strategies that enhance the lives of current residents while positioning RiverWoods to meet the evolving needs of the larger community and the expectations of future generations.

Kim joined The RiverWoods Group in October 2018 as Executive Director of RiverWoods Durham while the community was still under development. She led the successful opening of the community, helping achieve national record-breaking sales while overseeing one of the most successful community launches in the organization’s history. Just months after opening, RiverWoods Durham faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the new community not only navigated those challenges successfully but also built a strong culture centered on resident engagement, teamwork, and operational excellence.

In 2022, Gaskell was promoted to Vice President of Operations, where she assumed responsibility for operational leadership across The RiverWoods Group while also serving as Interim Executive Director of RiverWoods Exeter during a critical leadership transition. Throughout her tenure as Vice President, Gaskell has strengthened collaboration across the RiverWoods family of communities by championing more consistent communication, operational alignment, and the sharing of best practices across the organization. She has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement while encouraging thoughtful innovation throughout the system.

Kim is passionate about preparing RiverWoods for the future by anticipating the evolving expectations of older adults, embracing new ways of working, and ensuring the organization remains an exceptional place to live and work for generations to come. Her leadership is grounded in the understanding that today’s residents and staff, and those who will follow, will seek greater flexibility, meaningful engagement, innovation, and personalized experiences. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Kim will place an even greater emphasis on the future of senior living by exploring new opportunities to enhance the resident experience, expand services, strengthen strategic partnerships, and identify innovative ways The RiverWoods Group can serve not only those who live within its communities, but older adults throughout the region.

“It has been an incredible privilege to grow alongside RiverWoods over the past eight years. From opening RiverWoods Durham to supporting our communities across the system, every role has reinforced for me what makes this organization so special: our residents, our team members, and the culture of community that exists across RiverWoods,” said Kim.

Beyond RiverWoods, Kim is an active leader within the senior living profession. In 2025, she received the prestigious LeadingAge Leadership Award, becoming only the second recipient of the national honor. She has served on the Global Ageing Network Board of Directors from 2023 through 2026 and is a member of LeadingAge National’s E2 (Experience Expo) Advisory Committee, where she collaborates with industry leaders to help shape conversations around leadership, innovation, and the future of aging services. As a national and international speaker, Kim regularly shares her expertise on leadership, organizational culture, operational excellence, innovation, and the evolving needs of the senior living industry.

“As the needs and expectations of older adults continue to evolve, so must we. Kim has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. She understands what makes RiverWoods special while continually challenging us to think ahead. Her vision for the future of senior living, combined with her operational expertise, makes her the ideal leader to help guide our next chapter,” said Justine Vogel, RiverWoods CEO.

Kim earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and she resides in Dover, New Hampshire with her husband Jason and their three children.

About The RiverWoods Group

The RiverWoods Group is northern New England’s largest family of not-for-profit Lifecare communities, serving older adults through RiverWoods Exeter, RiverWoods Manchester, and RiverWoods Durham. Guided by its mission of creating community and peace of mind, The RiverWoods Group is committed to helping people live full, connected, and purposeful lives through exceptional accommodations, healthcare, and innovative services.