Janel Kohaut, Executive Director of Juniper Village at Chatham at Juniper Communities, 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.
Kohaut sat down with Senior Housing News to share what drew her to the senior housing & senior living industry, the biggest leadership lessons she has learned, her 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?
Kohaut: I was drawn to this industry, not just by opportunity, but by a sense of responsibility. My grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s, and I saw firsthand how compassion, dignity, and consistency matter, not only to the person living with the disease, but to their family. That experience shaped everything for me.
I knew I wanted to lead in a field where the work has meaning and where strong leadership directly impacts someone’s quality of life. Once I saw how much influence one community, one culture, one leader could have, I was all in.
SHN: What’s your biggest leadership lesson learned since starting to serve this industry?
Kohaut: That people don’t follow titles, they follow trust. You have to be willing to show up for your team on the good days and the tough ones.
I’ve learned that communication is everything. The more transparent and consistent you are, the stronger your culture becomes. You also have to listen. You can’t lead well if you’re not really listening to your staff, your residents, or your families.
SHN: If you could change one thing with an eye toward the future of the senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?
Kohaut: I would drive a deeper commitment to a high-tech, high-touch model. Technology should be embraced not as a replacement for care, but as a tool that allows us to deepen it.
The goal isn’t automation. It’s personalization and allowing our associates to spend more time face-to-face with residents. We owe it to the next generation of seniors, and to the people who care for them.
SHN: In one word, how would you describe the future of senior housing & senior living?
Kohaut: Integrated.
The communities that thrive will be the ones that integrate innovation and empathy, data and dignity, operational excellence and human connection. It’s not enough to be efficient. We have to be personal, and I’m proud to work for a company already doing this.
SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the senior housing & senior living industry now and into 2026?
Kohaut: The greatest shifts will come from how we balance innovation with intimacy. Yes, technology will continue to streamline operations and support wellness whether through predictive health data, smart safety systems, or family engagement tools. But the real impact will come from how we use those tools to create deeper human connection.
As residents live longer and families seek more transparency, trust will be our currency. Communities that focus on relationships, elevate their culture, and empower their teams will stand out. It’s not just about evolving systems, it’s about elevating the experience for everyone we serve.
SHN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Kohaut: Future Leaders in senior living must lead through service. You can’t inspire a team from the sidelines. You have to be willing to jump in, whether that means serving meals in the dining room, helping a resident get ready for the day or leading a Yoga class. It’s about setting the tone.
When your team sees that you’re present, engaged, and willing to do the work, it builds trust and loyalty. Great leaders are steady, thoughtful, and grounded. They adapt when plans fall apart and still show up with clarity and compassion. Most importantly, they lead with heart because in this industry, people can feel the difference when you genuinely care.
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?
Kohaut: Speak up early. You don’t need decades of experience to bring value. Ask the questions, raise the ideas, and don’t wait for permission to lead.
This field rewards people who care deeply and think critically, and if your heart is in the right place, you will find the right path. Also, don’t underestimate how hard this job can be. But when you see a resident smile, or hear from a family that you made a difference, it’s all worth it.
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