Americare Senior Living, with 25 skilled nursing facilities across its 110 campuses, has promoted Michael Hammond to president and COO. He succeeds Clay Crosson, who retired after 21 years in the role.

With the Missouri-based company for 17 years, Hammond started as a skilled nursing administrator before he transitioned into an operations director role in the assisted living division, and most recently, vice president of the division in 2020.

“When I joined Americare, it was refreshing to be part of a culture that placed resources and decision making closer to the residents, valued and recognized hospitality, and championed person-centered care, all in a family setting. That culture is even stronger today and I will work hard to nurture it,” Hammond said in a news release.

In addition to its skilled nursing portfolio, the senior care provider has 87 assisted living, 39 memory care and 13 independent living communities across Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Mississippi.

Americare Board Chairman Richard Montgomery noted that Hammond will help channel “the talent we have on our corporate leadership team and [reach] into our organization to identify different skill sets to help us grow.”

“Succession planning is part of a healthy organization,” he said in a news release.

Hammond described looking into the future of the industry as “exciting.”

“More and more folks will be seeking out innovative quality senior living options. Yes, there will be challenges. But we at Americare are well-positioned to meet them,” he added.