Stephanie Handelson

Stephanie Handelson is the President and COO of Benchmark Senior Living. She joined the company in April 2009 as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Benchmark, she had a long and successful career with a large national senior living provider where she served as the Senior Vice President of East Coast Operations responsible for over 200 communities along the East Coast.

Her experience in the senior living industry has always included a three-pronged approach on people, product and profit. She has successfully managed start-ups, turnarounds, acquisitions, and new product development. With an eye always focused on the people, Stephanie maintains a strong commitment to cultivating talent within the industry insuring increased organizational capability through engaged, passionate and skilled teams.

With a strong background in the service and hospitality industry, Stephanie received her MBA from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York and her Bachelor of Professional Studies, Hospitality Management from the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, New York. She is on the Board of Advisors at Benchmark Senior Living, as well as a member of the National Investment Center for the Senior Housing & Care Industry (NIC) Operator Advisory Board. Recognized as a strong industry leader, Stephanie is on the board of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) and American Seniors Housing Association as well as Chair of ALFA’s Public Policy Committee.