Future Leader: Derek Harris, Managing Director of Wellness Integration, Arrow Senior Living

Derek Harris, Managing Director of Wellness Integration at Arrow Senior Living, has been named a 2025 Future Leader 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.

Harris 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?

Harris: What drew me in was the limitless possibilities and opportunities within the senior living industry, something I never expected when I first started my career. The first time I ever stepped into an Assisted Living community was to fill out a job application for a night nurse position. At the time, I was a fairly new LPN, and I viewed the role as a stepping stone until I could pursue my RN and BSN.

Interestingly, senior living was never my original plan. My first major in college was Computer Management and Information Systems (CMIS), but halfway through I realized that my true passion — and my foundation — was in nursing. I enrolled in a thirteen-month LPN program that allowed me to graduate in four years, with the intention of moving on to a hospital career. However, LPN opportunities were mostly in Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living, which led me to that first night nurse position.

What surprised me was how quickly I fell in love with the environment, the people, and the incredible impact we could make on the lives of seniors and their families. Over time, I continued advancing — earning my RN, BSN, and eventually a master’s degree — but the thought of leaving this industry never once crossed my mind. Looking back, I realize that I didn’t choose senior living — it chose me. And I’m so grateful it did.

SHN: What’s your biggest leadership lesson learned since starting to serve this industry?

Harris: The most important leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of having an exceptional mentor.

Early in my career, I was eager to make change happen quickly, without realizing that leadership is a process of continuous learning. A mentor often sees more potential in us than we see in ourselves, and through their guidance I learned the importance of being analytical, beginning with the end in mind, preparing for challenges, and expanding my skill set. In short, a mentor is often the greatest champion of your career, investing time, energy, and resources in your growth.

SHN: If you could change one thing with an eye toward the future of the senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?

Harris: If I could change one thing, it would be for regulations in all 50 states to align and be modernized.

Current regulations often lag behind today’s technological innovations and create unnecessary duplication of work. Aligning these standards would not only allow the industry to better leverage technology for enhanced care and efficiency, but also simplify operations for multi-state providers and support nurses and other clinicians who practice across state lines.

SHN: In one word, how would you describe the future of senior housing & senior living?

Harris: Limitless.

SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the senior housing & senior living industry now and into 2026?

Harris: If I had a crystal ball, I’d say the biggest impact will come from how operators leverage third-party partnerships to expand wellness services and supplement care. These collaborations can ease staff workloads, bring in specialized expertise, and ultimately improve residents’ quality of life. The key will be integrating these partnerships seamlessly into daily community life.

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

Harris: In my opinion, every Future Leader must be a lifelong learner.

The world is constantly evolving, and leaders who stay curious and committed to growth are better prepared to adapt, embrace innovation, and respond to challenges with confidence. By seeking knowledge through education, mentorship, and everyday experiences, they not only develop themselves, but also model growth for their teams.

A lifelong learner fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, showing that leadership is a journey, not a destination.

SHN: If you could give advice to yourself looking back to your first day in the senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be and why?

Harris: I’d tell myself to treat every lesson as an opportunity to better yourself. You won’t have all the answers on day one, but each challenge is a chance to grow, improve, and become more confident in both your skills and your purpose.

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