Non-profit provider 2Life Communities has appointed Lizbeth Heyer as President and Saul and Gitta Kurlat as Chief Executive Officer.

Heyer took over the leadership role on October 2, succeeding Amy Schectman following her retirement after 16 years at the helm. Having joined 2Life Communities in 2014, Heyer previously guided the growth of the organisation through property development, healthcare integration and middle-market housing initiatives. Her tenure included the delivery, acquisition and refurbishment of over 1,000 subsidised housing units.

The housing provider currently supports more than 2,100 residents across 12 sites in Massachusetts. The organisation focuses on delivering affordable housing options linked with health services, social programs and wellness facilities to counter economic insecurity and loneliness among older citizens.

During her time at 2Life, Heyer oversaw the establishment of Opus Newton, a middle-income continuing care retirement community that reached 100% occupancy in its initial year. The group is currently constructing Solimine House in Lynn, a 150-unit affordable housing scheme scheduled for completion in late 2027. The Lynn development features an on-site PACE day centre managed by Element Care alongside adjacent medical facilities operated by Massachusetts General Brigham.

The provider is also planning to redevelop the former Thurgood Marshall Middle School site on Porter Street in Lynn into 114 senior apartments. In Boston’s Mattapan neighbourhood, construction starts later this year on the 127-unit Brooke House and the adjacent 66-unit intergenerational Treehouse scheme at Olmsted Village, with both sites expected to open by 2028.

Heyer’s previous career includes serving as Associate Director of Public Housing and Rental Assistance at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, alongside leadership roles at the Jamaica Plain Neighbourhood Development Corporation. She currently serves on the board of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association.

“Leading 2Life Communities at such a pivotal moment is an extraordinary privilege,” said Heyer. “Our organisation is dedicated to empowering older adults and strengthening our communities. I look forward to building on our strong foundation alongside our incredible team, partners, and residents to create even more joyful, vibrant, inclusive, and supportive affordable housing options for seniors.”

“As the number of older adults rapidly grows, Massachusetts has the highest rate of economic insecurity among older adults in the nation, primarily due to rising housing and healthcare costs. Social isolation and loneliness can also pose significant risks to seniors’ health and longevity. 2Life is addressing these challenges head on by building and operating high-quality supportive housing, and by advocating for the policy changes and public investment needed to make affordable senior housing easier to build and sustain.”

“Our residents are the true experts on why aging in community — surrounded by people who know you, opportunities to connect and contribute, and support when you need it — is the best way to age,” added Heyer. “When they share their lived experiences in the halls of Congress and at the State House, their powerful voices shape policy and inspire change. I am committed to amplifying their advocacy as we work together to ensure every older adult has access to a vibrant, supportive, and affordable place to call home.”

“Lizbeth has been an invaluable partner for us in Lynn, and I know she will be an exceptional President and CEO for 2Life Communities,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. “Our longstanding partnership with 2Life is helping us take meaningful steps toward addressing the pressing need for high-quality, affordable senior housing in Lynn. Lizbeth’s leadership, knowledge, collaboration, and commitment to our community are evident in projects like Solimine House and the Porter Street Redevelopment project further down the road. We are grateful for all she has done in Lynn and look forward to continuing our partnership with Lizbeth and 2Life in the years ahead.”

“Lizbeth is a leader who reflects our values and mission,” said 2Life Communities Board Chair Laura Efron. “She has deep knowledge of the political and real estate landscape, which will empower the organisation to grow and expand its reach. Her strong relationships with staff, residents, government officials, and nonprofit leaders make her an important voice in the conversation about senior housing, healthcare access, and other supportive services.”