In 2023, Eskaton elevated Sheri Peifer to the organization’s top position. While serving as president, Peifer was selected during a formal CEO succession plan and now holds both titles as the primary steward of this community-based nonprofit serving older adults through health, housing, and social services. She oversees operations and 1,700 employees among 25 Eskaton locations across Northern California.
“I’m humbled to work amongst an amazing team, from our frontline caregivers to our office professionals and everyone in between, who gives their skills and talents to make Eskaton exceptional,” says Peifer, who’s long been known as an inclusive leader who values communication and collaboration. “I view myself as a servant leader who holds myself accountable and respects all voices at the table.”
Always certain she wanted a career in older-adult services, Peifer worked in several public and private capacities in the field before joining Eskaton. “My heart is in the nonprofit space,” she says. “I’m all about leveraging the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what Eskaton is about.” Her career at Eskaton spans 19 years, with positions as director of research and special projects, vice president of strategic planning, and chief strategy officer before being appointed president and ultimately earning the title of CEO.
Peifer notes that the senior living field attracts amazing women. “Among all Eskaton employees, 73% are women and among all of our executive directors, 84% are women,” she says. “We are proud to be a workplace where those with the right skills, compassion, and drive can climb to the top.”
“I’m humbled to work amongst an amazing team, from our frontline caregivers to our office professionals and everyone in between, who give their skills and talents to make Eskaton exceptional.” — Sheri Peifer, President and CEO
Looking ahead, Peifer’s goals include strengthening Eskaton’s people and modernizing core systems. “We’ve just launched Eskaton Academy, a centralized training program for everything from core competencies to leadership development, and we’re simultaneously improving our communities with new technology and services,” she says. “My passion is bringing forth communities of purpose, connection, and caring, and I look forward to guiding Eskaton to its brightest future.”
