Future Leader: Bridget Banks, Administrator, Friendship Village

Bridget Banks, Administrator at Friendship Village, has been named to the Future Leaders Class of 2026 by Senior Housing News.

To become a Future Leader, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a high-performing employee who is 40 years of age or younger, a passionate worker who knows how to put vision into action, and an advocate for older adults and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being.

Banks sat down with Senior Housing News to share what drew her to the senior housing & senior living industry, the biggest leadership lessons she has learned, her thoughts on the future of senior housing & senior living, and much more. To learn more about the Future Leaders Awards program, visit https://futureleaders.wtwhmedia.com/.

SHN: What drew you to the senior housing & senior living industry?

Banks: Inspired by my relationships with my grandparents, I spent time volunteering in senior living communities throughout high school and college. I explored other career options, but kept coming back to one thing – serving seniors. I decided to pursue a Masters of Gerontology and began working at Friendship Village shortly after college graduation.

SHN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?

Banks: I favor servant leadership. I believe in leading by example and building a strong team that knows they are supported. Over time, I have gotten better at identifying situations when I may have to modify my leadership style.  

SHN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the senior housing & senior living industry?

Banks: The biggest leadership lesson I’ve learned over time is that when you have the right people in place, your role is to equip them with the right tools and resources to be successful.

SHN: In one word, how would you describe the senior housing & senior living industry and why?

Banks: Evolving.

New residents are looking for ways to continue their active lifestyles into retirement. Whether that be by moving into a senior living community or aging in place at home, senior living providers will be tasked with supporting their independence, while keeping them engaged.

SHN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the senior housing & senior living industry?

Banks: Advancements in technology have proven to be a benefit for many in the senior living industry. The challenge will be ensuring that we don’t get so lost in technology that we lose the human element that makes senior living so impactful.

SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the senior housing & senior living industry over the next 5-10 years?

Banks: Staffing challenges and changes to regulation will impact the senior living industry, particularly in the clinical areas.

SHN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?

Banks: Adaptability, compassion and determination.

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