Future Leader: Zachary Volz, Director Of Workforce Solutions, Health Dimensions Group

Zachary Volz, Director of Workforce Solutions at Health Dimensions Group, 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.

Volz sat down with Senior Housing News to share what drew him to the senior housing & senior living industry, the biggest leadership lessons he has learned, his 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?

Volz: Growing up, I was very close with my grandparents, which sparked my passion for serving older adults. I believe our senior population deserves the highest level of care and the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and an excellent quality of life.

While healthcare has always interested me, I feel senior living is often overlooked, despite the vital role it plays. I am passionate about giving back to the generation that helped shape the world we live in today, and I am driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and those who care for them.

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

Volz: I would describe my leadership style as transformational. I enjoy challenging others to become the best version of themselves by encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace a growth mindset.

I believe in empowering people by providing the tools, resources, support, and education they need to develop their skills, build confidence, and achieve success independently. Seeing others grow both personally and professionally is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership for me.

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

Volz: It is difficult to choose just one lesson as several have had a significant impact on my leadership approach. One that consistently stays at the forefront of my mind is the importance of seeking to understand. Rather than simply listening to respond, I make a conscious effort to understand another person’s perspective, motivations, and challenges before forming conclusions or making decisions.

Another lesson that has resonated with me is the importance of “getting out on the balcony” or stepping back from the day-to-day chaos to view the bigger picture. Taking that broader perspective allows leaders to recognize patterns, understand organizational dynamics, and make thoughtful, strategic decisions instead of simply reacting to immediate challenges.

Finally, I have learned the importance of meeting people where they are. Senior living is a fast-paced, emotionally demanding industry, and at the end of the day, it is people caring for people. Everyone brings their own experiences and challenges to work each day. Leading with empathy and adapting your approach to meet individuals where they are builds stronger relationships, fosters trust, improves morale, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for both team members and those we serve.

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

Volz: I would describe the senior living industry as invaluable.

With the senior population growing rapidly, the need for high-quality care and services has never been greater. The work of this industry extends far beyond just meeting the health care needs of our residents – it also helps them to maintain connection and purpose as they age. As demand for senior care increases, so does our responsibility to improve the way care is delivered. 

I also believe the industry is dynamic. Senior living is constantly evolving due to changing regulations, workforce challenges, reimbursement models, and the growing needs of an aging population. Success requires leaders and organizations to remain adaptable, innovative, and committed to finding new solutions that ensure we continue providing exceptional care for the seniors who rely on us. 

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

Volz: I see a big opportunity for continued innovation in how we provide care and services to our growing senior population. As the needs of older adults evolve, we must remain open to new ideas, technologies, and care models that improve quality of life while supporting the workforce that delivers that care. I also believe there is a significant opportunity to strengthen collaboration with local, state, and federal leaders. Advocacy is essential to ensure policymakers understand the challenges facing senior living and provide the resources, funding, and support needed to sustain and strengthen this industry.

One of the greatest challenges facing senior living is the workforce. As our aging population continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled, compassionate workers. Attracting and retaining talent remains difficult, particularly as we compete with acute care and other industries for the same workforce. This is another reason why advocacy is so important, we must continue elevating the value of careers in senior living and investing in those who choose this field. It is also why I am passionate about the work I do. I am committed to connecting organizations with exceptional leaders and team members who will help ensure seniors continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve.

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?

Volz: There are many factors that will shape the future of senior living, one of the most significant being government policy and funding. Recent changes in administration have demonstrated how quickly reimbursement models, regulations, and funding priorities can shift. As future elections bring new leadership and potential policy changes, organizations will need to remain adaptable and prepared to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape.

I also believe technology and AI will play an increasingly important role in the future of our industry. As these technologies continue to advance, there will be tremendous opportunities to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance the quality of care.

With workforce shortages continuing to challenge senior living, organizations will need to think strategically about how technology can support caregivers, automate administrative tasks, improve clinical decision-making, and create more sustainable, cost-effective care models. While technology will never replace the human connection that is essential in senior living, it has the potential to become a valuable tool in helping us better serve both our residents and our teams.

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

Volz: I believe Future Leaders must be adaptable and flexible. The senior living industry is constantly evolving, whether through changing regulations, staffing challenges, reimbursement models, or budget constraints. Effective leaders must be proactive in anticipating these changes and adjusting their strategies accordingly.

As our aging population continues to grow, it is essential that we remain solutions-oriented, innovative, and flexible in how we deliver high-quality care while meeting the evolving needs of our seniors.

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