Kurtz has been a long-term care manager for 20 years, most recently serving as executive administrator for the Saratoga Retirement Community. He managed the new retirement home and assisted-living facility there for about a year before starting in Los Gatos at the beginning of July.

Kurtz holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's in health services administration, both from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

He said he was interested in the Los Gatos position because of the center's "life care" philosophy—residents pay a substantial one-time accommodation fee for a place to live and then a monthly fee that covers all meals, healthcare and other services.

"It was the mission," Kurtz said of his decision to accept the post. "They are a true nonprofit, which I liked. They had a very good reputation. I just thought it was a solid foundation to build on, and I thought my skills would meet their demands."

Luckily for Kurtz, administrators at Episcopal Homes Foundation, which owns Los Gatos Meadows, agreed. Maureen Hewitt, the company's chief operating officer, said Kurtz's academic credentials and experience managing facilities throughout the country made him the ideal candidate for the executive director position on paper. But it was his obvious concern for the welfare of senior citizens that she was impressed with when meeting him in person.

"He really, really cares about seniors," Hewitt said. "It's a passion for him, and that really came across during the interview. He wants to make life better for individuals. That's really one of the key components in our business is that ability to reach out and heal other people."

Kurtz said he will enjoy the opportunity to be more closely involved in the Los Gatos community. The Meadows facility, with 39 skilled nursing beds and seven assisted-living units, is a fraction of the size of the Saratoga facility, which has 94 nursing beds and 197 assisted-living units. He said he was pleased with what he accomplished in Saratoga.

"Saratoga's doing quite well," he said. "I wish them only the best. I think there's room... for these communities to flourish side by side."

Kurtz already has his sights set on one goal: raising occupancy at the retirement center. The facility is approximately 85 percent full right now—ideally it would be at about 95 percent.