December 11, 2024 —After twelve years of service, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Steve Bailey, Senior Strategy Advisor, as he steps into retirement. Throughout his tenure, Steve made a lasting mark on The Kendal Corporation and Kendal Affiliates. His work and talents strengthened Kendal’s commitment to innovation, growth and the understanding of what it takes to foster thriving communities.
A Journey Across Kendal
Steve joined The Kendal Corporation in 2012 and immediately began planning and managing development, expansion, and renovation projects across every Kendal Affiliate. As a Licensed Landscape Architect with an MBA degree, his work didn’t stop at blueprints and buildings; he connected with employees, residents, and local communities, immersing himself in the unique spirit of each Kendal community.
A few years into his role, Steve expanded his expertise by taking on new business development responsibilities and heading the Innovation, Growth and Impact team. He worked to forge new partnerships and positioned Kendal for growth on a national level. From working with universities on intergenerational living and lifelong learning initiatives to building relationships with Quaker organizations, hospital systems, faith communities, retired university faculty, and innovative landowners, Steve explored opportunities that enriched and expanded Kendal’s reach.”Telling the Kendal story and meeting these thought leaders has been a gift,” Steve reflected. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and I am grateful.”
Steve joined The Kendal Corporation in 2012 and immediately began planning and managing development, expansion, and renovation projects across every Kendal Affiliate. As a Licensed Landscape Architect with an MBA degree, his work didn’t stop at blueprints and buildings; he connected with employees, residents, and local communities, immersing himself in the unique spirit of each Kendal community.
A few years into his role, Steve expanded his expertise by taking on new business development responsibilities and heading the Innovation, Growth and Impact team. He worked to forge new partnerships and positioned Kendal for growth on a national level. From working with universities on intergenerational living and lifelong learning initiatives to building relationships with Quaker organizations, hospital systems, faith communities, retired university faculty, and innovative landowners, Steve explored opportunities that enriched and expanded Kendal’s reach.
“Telling the Kendal story and meeting these thought leaders has been a gift,” Steve reflected. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and I am grateful.”
A Focus on Development Partnerships and Sustainability
Steve also played a pivotal role in Kendal’s westward expansion, leading the effort to establish Enso Village—a groundbreaking Zen-inspired Life Plan Community in Sonoma, CA, in collaboration with the San Francisco Zen Center. “Meeting the folks from the San Francisco Zen Center was a game changer,” Steve shared. “I have been inspired and deeply changed by these incredible people.” This led to new efforts to establish a 2nd Life Plan Community, Enso Verde, in Southern California.
His initiatives continually wove Kendal’s Quaker roots and the unique system model into every partnership, inspiring organizations nationwide to emulate these values within their own communities.
Steve’s career at Kendal culminated in his role as Senior Strategy Advisor, where he focused on gathering and analyzing sustainability best practices across the Kendal System and ideas to position Kendal’s future as a sustainability leader.
Heartfelt Gratitude
Steve’s reflections on his time at Kendal speak volumes about his dedication and the deep connections he developed over the years.
“To me, this felt like hugely important work since what we design and build has a major impact on residents’ and staff’s health and happiness,” he noted. “I want to thank Affiliate leaders for allowing me to work with you in your communities. It’s been an honor.”
Reflecting on his colleagues, Steve shared, “To my Kendal colleagues, it’s been an honor working alongside you through the victories and the difficult times. We have been in the trenches together and have learned what it takes to build a community. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Cheers!”
A Lasting Impact
Steve Bailey’s influence on The Kendal Corporation is deep and enduring. His work has not only enhanced the lives of residents and staff across Kendal Affiliates but has also strengthened the organization’s mission to foster communities defined by collaboration, respect, and quality of life.
Vassar Byrd, CEO, shares, “We wish Steve all the best as he enters this next chapter of his life. His impact will continue to encourage all of us at Kendal as we carry forward the values and vision he helped cultivate.”
Thank you, Steve, for twelve years of exceptional service, tireless dedication, and meaningful impact. You will always be a special part of the Kendal family.
