Megan Herwig, Director of Resident Engagement at Priority Life Care, has been named to the Future Leaders Class of 2026 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.
Herwig 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?
Herwig: During college, I unexpectedly began an internship in a skilled nursing setting out of necessity, and although I had no prior experience with that population, I quickly discovered a strong connection to the work.
What started as a temporary opportunity became a true passion as I realized how meaningful it was to support residents and contribute to their quality of life. It was incredibly rewarding to go to work each day knowing I could make a positive impact, while also learning just how much they gave back in return.
SHN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?
Herwig: My leadership style is rooted in person-centered learning and management. I believe every team member has different needs, strengths, and motivations, and effective leadership should be flexible rather than one-size-fits-all. I also strongly believe in leading by example and creating a team culture where every person feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated. Building genuine relationships with my team is important to me, and I want each person to feel comfortable coming to me for support and guidance.
In my tenure in the senior living industry, my leadership style has changed immensely. Through seeing different leadership styles through the years, I have learned that having a balanced perspective is essential. And above all, listening is key.
SHN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the senior housing & senior living industry?
Herwig: Through observing different leadership styles over the years, I’ve learned that effective leadership requires a nuanced approach.
The two most important qualities of a strong leader are the ability to listen and communicate clearly. I also believe people deserve to understand the reasoning behind decisions, because when leaders consistently communicate the “why,” it builds trust, respect, and accountability.
At the same time, leadership should include the willingness to ask questions and advocate for your team when something may not be the best solution. Just because something is a rule does not always mean it should be accepted without discussion; sometimes pushing back respectfully can lead to a better outcome for everyone involved.
SHN: In one word, how would you describe the senior housing & senior living industry and why?
Herwig: Fulfilling is the word I’d choose to describe the senior housing and senior living industry. When done well, we help residents rediscover a sense of home in their new environment, making it as comfortable, supportive, and meaningful as possible.
It’s incredibly rewarding to serve as their shoulder to cry on, problem solver, friend, and daily companion — especially for those who spent their lives caring for others. Knowing we can positively impact their lives every day through support, engagement, and validation makes this work deeply gratifying.
SHN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the senior housing & senior living industry?
Herwig: I believe technology presents one of the biggest opportunities and challenges in senior living.
As technology continues to play a larger role in everyday life, the industry has an opportunity to better use it for engagement, communication, and operational efficiency. At the same time, we know many residents, families, and even teams are still adjusting to how quickly technology is changing, so adoption can be a challenge.
I think the key is finding ways to embrace innovation while still meeting people where they are. In senior living, we need to be thoughtful about how we introduce and use technology so that it enhances the resident experience rather than replacing the human connection that is so important in this field.
SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the senior housing & senior living industry over the next 5-10 years?
Herwig: I believe one of the biggest shifts we’ll see is that it will become increasingly difficult for families to care for loved ones at home the way they may have in the past. With people working longer, retirement ages rising, and family members often living busy and separate lives, the ability to provide consistent care at home is becoming more challenging. At the same time, social interaction and engagement are incredibly important, and isolation at home is rarely the best option for overall well-being.
Because of that, I think there will continue to be a growing need for senior living options that support both care and quality of life. Families have many choices, including home care, but ultimately they want what is best for their loved one’s safety, comfort, and overall happiness.
SHN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Herwig: In my opinion, all Future Leaders must have the ability to listen, communicate, and learn. They should lead with compassion and empathy, while also helping each individual reach their full potential. A strong leader builds unity and collaboration, makes people feel valued, and creates a culture of trust and accountability.
Future Leaders also need to be comfortable delegating appropriately, trusting their team, and addressing problems directly and professionally without unnecessary emotional escalation. I believe leaders should be present, attentive, and approachable, with an open-door mindset that keeps them connected to their team.
Most importantly, they should lead by example and never ask others to do something they would not be willing to do themselves.
