Diane Way to manage Independent Living program

Gifford Retirement Community has named Diane Way as the director of the Morgan Orchards Independent Living program. The new 49-apartment independent living facility is scheduled to open on August 15th. It is the newest addition to a senior living community in Randolph Center that includes the Menig Nursing Home and a planned assisted living section.

Since 2013 Way has been the Community Relations Manager at Armistead Senior Care in South Burlington. Before that she spent eighteen years in senior housing positions: she was director of Sales and Marketing for The Lodges Retirement Communities and a residence counselor at Wake Robin Life Care Retirement Community. Way received a BA in Psychology (with an emphasis in Gerontology)/Economics from UVM.

“My close relationship with my grandmother when I was growing up had a strong influence on my desire to work with seniors,” she said. “I am so excited to join the Gifford team in welcoming residents to this incredibly beautiful new community.”

Way’s community work on behalf of seniors includes serving on the board of Heineberg Senior Center and the board of Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (2005 to 2011). She was a founding partner and board member of Celebrating Seniors in VT, Inc. (2009 to present), and has volunteered with The Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Term Care Coalition. The Vermont Health Care Association recognized Way’s work on behalf of seniors in 2006 with the Outstanding Marketing Director Award. She was also named United Way Hometown Hero Volunteer of the Week in 2009.

Diane lives in Colchester with her seventeen-year-old daughter, Elysia. Together they enjoy music, travel, and time together with extended family.