Blakehurst Welcomes Renee D. Garvin as Executive Director
After decades leading some of the nation’s premier senior living communities, Renee Garvin was proud to make Blakehurst the next step in her career. “Blakehurst is such an incredible place,” she says. “I am thrilled to be able to join a community with such a strong legacy of caring and excellence.”
A Leader Who Fully Believes in the Life Plan Difference
Throughout her career, Garvin has remained committed to one type of community: Life Plan Communities. Unlike “traditional” retirement communities, Life Plan Communities offer a full continuum of care on one campus. Residents enjoy an active, independent lifestyle today with the confidence that if their health needs change in the future, they can continue receiving care from a team they know and trust without leaving the community they call home. For Garvin, that lifelong commitment to residents is what makes the Life Plan model so important.
Garvin began her career in healthcare before earning both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health, eventually leading nationally recognized communities in Illinois, Florida, and Maryland. Along the way, she successfully guided organizations through major renovations, operational transformations, financial turnarounds, and periods of tremendous growth while consistently improving resident satisfaction, employee engagement, and quality outcomes.
Her leadership experience includes luxury senior living communities, multi-phase campus expansions, five-star skilled nursing operations, and multimillion-dollar renovation projects. She has also led communities through hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity incidents, and other extraordinary challenges with steady, resident-first leadership.
Those experiences have shaped her philosophy.
“I’ve always been with Life Plan Communities,” Garvin says. “It really is my love.”
She believes the promise of lifelong security is one of the greatest gifts a senior living community can offer.
“I never liked the idea that someone could become part of your community and then, at their most vulnerable moment, suddenly have to leave. I’ve always believed that we’re here to take care of people for life.”
That philosophy aligns perfectly with Blakehurst’s mission of providing exceptional living today while offering the confidence of a comprehensive continuum of care for tomorrow.
Why Blakehurst Stood Out
Garvin was already familiar with Blakehurst’s reputation long before accepting the position. But once she arrived on campus, she quickly discovered that what truly distinguishes the community isn’t just its beautiful setting or impressive amenities.
It’s the people.
Blakehurst residents actively help shape the future of their community. They serve on committees, curate art exhibitions, volunteer throughout the Baltimore region, contribute ideas for campus improvements, and play an important role in preserving the community’s traditions while embracing new opportunities.
“The community speaks for itself,” she says. “It’s a quality community. I like the boutique aspect of it and the heavy involvement of the residents. I really appreciate how thoroughly engaged they are. It’s energizing.”
A Campus Designed for Living Well
Set on a beautifully landscaped 40-acre campus in Towson, Blakehurst has long been known for combining elegance with warmth. Residents enjoy spacious residences, exceptional dining, wellness programming, lifelong learning opportunities, an indoor pool and fitness center, cultural and social events, and recently (and beautifully!) renovated gathering and dining spaces that encourage neighbors to connect every day.
One feature that particularly surprised Garvin was Blakehurst’s nationally recognized arboretum and the residents who help steward it.
“I love the whole arboretum aspect and the resident involvement with our property,” she says.
Residents don’t simply enjoy the campus — they help envision its future, from planning tree plantings to supporting Blakehurst’s pursuit of Level II Arboretum accreditation.
“It’s been really exciting seeing their passion,” she says.
Building on an Exceptional Foundation
Garvin is quick to point out that she isn’t coming to Blakehurst to reinvent it.
She is coming to build upon what already makes it exceptional.
Following the community’s extensive $16 million campus renovations, Blakehurst is well positioned for the future. Garvin sees her role as preserving the culture residents cherish while continuing to elevate every aspect of community life, from resident engagement and hospitality to wellness, dining, employee development, and long-term strategic planning.
“As an executive director, you have to believe in the community you’re representing,” she says.
For Garvin, that confidence comes naturally.
She has admired Blakehurst from afar, respected its operator — LCS — throughout her career, and now has the opportunity to bring decades of executive leadership to the community.
“I’m just really proud to be part of Blakehurst and to continue leading its 30-year legacy of excellence forward.”
Take a Tour
To learn more about why Blakehurst has long been considered the premier senior living community in the Towson area — and to see if it’s right for you or someone you love — visit https://blakehurstlcs.com or call 410-441-5996 and schedule a tour.