Former Northbridge Executive Takes the Helm as CEO of Adaptive Senior Living
A senior living industry veteran is building a new operator from the ground up, focusing on acquisitions and third-party management.
Last week, Adaptive Senior Living announced the appointment of Shawn Bertram as CEO. With 18 years of experience at The Northbridge Companies and a previous role as COO of Masonic Health System, Bertram is set to guide the New York City-based company as it begins onboarding its first communities.
The leadership team at Adaptive has its sights set on acquiring and managing assisted living and memory care communities in the U.S. Northeast, specifically targeting facilities with 45 to 80 units. Bertram emphasized the search for communities with “great bones,” ideally single-site locations owned by individuals looking to retire or exit the business.
Currently, the operator has a letter of intent for one community expected to close in 2026 and is in negotiations for two additional properties, while also reviewing various management opportunities.
Adaptive’s financial backing comes from a family office that aligns with its long-term vision and has expressed “full support for our strategy,” according to Bertram. The company’s debt partners are also “equally enthusiastic about our early pipeline.”
“That momentum is incredibly exciting. We’re building something special from the ground up — a company rooted in quality, relationships, and long-term commitment to residents, families, and team members,” Bertram shared with Senior Housing News.
Bringing over 22 years of experience to the table, Bertram most recently served as COO at Masonic Health System for four years. Before that, he worked at The Northbridge Companies, where he began as an executive director and advanced to senior vice president of operations, overseeing 18 communities across New England.
As the leader of Adaptive, Bertram aims to enhance the newly onboarded communities through new systems, technology, and processes. He plans to spend significant time in the operator’s communities, emphasizing his belief that being present is crucial.
“I’ve spent my entire career in senior living, and my favorite place has always been in the community itself. Our teams will see me often,” he stated.
Bertram’s philosophy centers on fundamental principles such as listening, building connections, fostering open communication, acting with integrity, and forming genuine relationships to improve operations. He intends to implement small gestures, like personally calling new employees or sending handwritten notes of thanks to staff who refer friends and family, to cultivate a positive company culture.
Looking ahead, Bertram has several ideas for the company’s direction in the coming months and years. He places a strong emphasis on enhancing dining and resident engagement services, exploring new technologies to support staff, and adopting a remote home office model. This model encourages team members to visit communities regularly to maintain a connection to the mission and culture.
Bertram assures that Adaptive Senior Living will offer something unique in the senior living landscape.
“Adaptive Senior Living will combine the warmth and heart of a local, hands-on operator with the professionalism and innovation of a modern senior living company — all while staying grounded in our mission to deliver exceptional quality of life for every resident, every day,” he concluded.
A senior living industry veteran is building a new operator from the ground up, focusing on acquisitions and third-party management.
Last week, Adaptive Senior Living announced the appointment of Shawn Bertram as CEO. With 18 years of experience at The Northbridge Companies and a previous role as COO of Masonic Health System, Bertram is set to guide the New York City-based company as it begins onboarding its first communities.
The leadership team at Adaptive has its sights set on acquiring and managing assisted living and memory care communities in the U.S. Northeast, specifically targeting facilities with 45 to 80 units. Bertram emphasized the search for communities with “great bones,” ideally single-site locations owned by individuals looking to retire or exit the business.
Currently, the operator has a letter of intent for one community expected to close in 2026 and is in negotiations for two additional properties, while also reviewing various management opportunities.
Adaptive’s financial backing comes from a family office that aligns with its long-term vision and has expressed “full support for our strategy,” according to Bertram. The company’s debt partners are also “equally enthusiastic about our early pipeline.”
“That momentum is incredibly exciting. We’re building something special from the ground up — a company rooted in quality, relationships, and long-term commitment to residents, families, and team members,” Bertram shared with Senior Housing News.
Bringing over 22 years of experience to the table, Bertram most recently served as COO at Masonic Health System for four years. Before that, he worked at The Northbridge Companies, where he began as an executive director and advanced to senior vice president of operations, overseeing 18 communities across New England.
As the leader of Adaptive, Bertram aims to enhance the newly onboarded communities through new systems, technology, and processes. He plans to spend significant time in the operator’s communities, emphasizing his belief that being present is crucial.
“I’ve spent my entire career in senior living, and my favorite place has always been in the community itself. Our teams will see me often,” he stated.
Bertram’s philosophy centers on fundamental principles such as listening, building connections, fostering open communication, acting with integrity, and forming genuine relationships to improve operations. He intends to implement small gestures, like personally calling new employees or sending handwritten notes of thanks to staff who refer friends and family, to cultivate a positive company culture.
Looking ahead, Bertram has several ideas for the company’s direction in the coming months and years. He places a strong emphasis on enhancing dining and resident engagement services, exploring new technologies to support staff, and adopting a remote home office model. This model encourages team members to visit communities regularly to maintain a connection to the mission and culture.
Bertram assures that Adaptive Senior Living will offer something unique in the senior living landscape.
“Adaptive Senior Living will combine the warmth and heart of a local, hands-on operator with the professionalism and innovation of a modern senior living company — all while staying grounded in our mission to deliver exceptional quality of life for every resident, every day,” he concluded.
