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Fort Worth, Texas — December 1, 2025 — Civitas Senior Living announced today a leadership transition that reinforces its long-term succession strategy and sets the company’s next stage of growth into motion.
Effective December 1, 2025, Cooper Vittitow has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Civitas Senior Living. He has served as President and brings extensive operational and strategic experience shaped by more than 18 years in the senior living field.
Co-Founder Wayne Powell will move into the role of Chairman of the Board, where he will continue guiding organizational vision, governance, and long-range strategy.
About the Leadership Transition
The Civitas story began long before its official founding in 2012. Powell, who was raised by his grandparents, often shares that his earliest experiences with them shaped his desire to rethink what senior living could be. With Jay Dempsey, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, his career evolved into a mission to create communities where both residents and employees could thrive. That mission led to the partnership between Powell and Vittitow, whom Powell mentored from his earliest role in the industry.
Civitas now has a dedicated team of more than 2,500 individuals serving over 5,000 seniors nationwide. From humble beginnings to managing more than 30 senior living communities, the Civitas story reflects a steady commitment to seniors and the mission that started it all.
“This transition reflects years of thoughtful succession planning,” said Powell. “I was inspired early in life to give seniors a place to call home. Cooper shares that same commitment. His approach to people, operations, and long-term thinking makes him the right person to guide Civitas into its next era.”
Vittitow, who has served Civitas in roles ranging from Executive Director to Chief Operating Officer, said, “I am honored to step into this role. Civitas has always believed that when you care deeply about people, everything else follows. That philosophy has shaped my entire career. I look forward to continuing our work with residents, families, and employees across every community.”
Civitas Senior Living leadership transition: Cooper Vittitow (left) steps into the President & CEO role as Wayne Powell (right) becomes Chairman in Fort Worth, Texas.
Key Leadership Changes at Civitas Senior Living
- Cooper Vittitow promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025
- Wayne Powell transitions from CEO to Chairman of the Board
- Vittitow brings 18+ years of senior living experience to the CEO role
- Powell will continue guiding organizational vision, governance, and long-term strategy
- The transition follows a multi-year succession plan designed for continuity and stability
What Makes Civitas Senior Living Unique
- Resident-Centered Operations: Every decision is made with the resident experience as the top priority
- Signature Passion Programming: Including the “My Miracle Moment” initiative that creates meaningful experiences for residents
- Employee-Driven Culture: Maintaining an atmosphere where team members can thrive alongside residents
- Restaurant Dining: Providing quality culinary experiences in every community
- Commitment to Quality: Maintaining excellent and high standards across all 32 senior living communities
Frequently Asked Questions About Civitas Senior Living’s Leadership Transition
Cooper Vittitow is the new President and CEO of Civitas Senior Living, effective December 1, 2025. He previously served as President and has been with the organization in various leadership roles, including Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.
Wayne Powell, Co-Founder and former CEO of Civitas Senior Living, has transitioned to Chairman of the Board. In this role, he will continue to guide the organization's vision, governance, and long-range strategic planning.
Civitas Senior Living was officially founded in 2012 by Wayne Powell, Misti Powell, Jay Dempsey, Cooper Vittitow, and Amy Vittitow. The company has grown from its humble beginnings to operating more than 30 senior living communities nationwide.
Civitas Senior Living owns and operates 32 communities across several states throughout the United States as of December 1, 2025.
Civitas Senior Living has a dedicated team of more than 2,500 employees serving over 5,000 seniors across its communities. The organization has also been dubbed Great Place to Work-certified for several consecutive years.
"My Miracle Moment" is part of Civitas Senior Living's signature Passion Programming, designed to create meaningful and memorable experiences for residents in their communities.
Civitas Senior Living is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
Civitas provides senior living services with a focus on resident-centered operations, quality care, restaurant dining, and meaningful programming designed to enhance the lives of seniors. “Passionate Service, Passionate Cleanliness, and Passionate Care” is the foundational drive of the company’s values in addition to their Standards of Excellence. Civitas is also known for its Simplifying Your Journey to Senior Living campaign with thorough guidance for seniors and families when it comes to financial resources, moving, estate planning, and more.
Yes. Civitas Senior Living was founded by Wayne Powell, Misti Powell, Jay Dempsey, Cooper Vittitow, and Amy Vittitow in 2012 and has grown into a professionally managed organization. The leadership transition to Cooper Vittitow represents a planned succession that maintains the company's founding values and mission.
For more information about Civitas Senior Living and its communities, visit the Civitas Senior Living website.
The Future of Civitas Senior Living
The transition follows a multi-year succession plan designed to support continuity, stability, and long-term organizational strength. Civitas will continue carrying forward its mission to provide thoughtful service and meaningful experiences for seniors across all its communities.
With Cooper Vittitow’s extensive operational expertise and Wayne Powell’s continued strategic guidance as Chairman, Civitas Senior Living is positioned for continued growth while maintaining its commitment to quality senior care and employee development.
About Civitas Senior Living
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Civitas is a leading provider of senior living services, operating 32 communities across multiple states. With more than 2,500 dedicated employees serving over 5,000 seniors, Civitas is committed to creating communities where both residents and team members can thrive. Contact Civitas Senior Living to learn more about the organization or to find a senior living community near you.