Aldersly Welcomes New Executive Director, Mike Sharkey

01/24/2025 | News | Reading Time 3 Minutes

Mike Sharkey Brings Over 20 Years Of Combined Experience in Senior Living Operations, Business Management, And Hospitality To Aldersly

San Rafael, Calif. (January 23, 2025) – Aldersly, a San Rafael-based nonprofit Life Plan Community, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Sharkey as Aldersly’s new executive director, effective December 30, 2024. As executive director, Mr. Sharkey is responsible for the executive oversight and management of Aldersly.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Mike as Aldersly’s new executive director. His extensive professional background, leadership skills, and commitment to providing the highest quality of care will be instrumental in enhancing the overall experience for current and future residents at Aldersly,” said Peter Schakow, Aldersly’s board president. “Furthermore, Mike’s thoughtful decision-making approach will help carry Aldersly through the completion of the Marselisborg independent living residence expansion plan and other areas of growth for the organization, and ensure Aldersly remains a vibrant and supportive community.”

Mr. Sharkey’s arrival to Aldersly coincides with the current expansion of Aldersly’s Marselisborg independent living residences. The Marselisborg expansion project, which will add 35 new apartment residences at Aldersly, along with the opening of Aldersly’s Rosenborg Memory Care in 2022, are part of a multi-phase plan at Aldersly that includes improvement of living spaces, common areas, parking, amenities and services.

“I’m honored to join the Aldersly team and lead this exceptional community at such an exciting time of growth,” said Mike Sharkey, Aldersly’s new executive director. “Aldersly's commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community for older adults is truly inspiring, and I look forward to building upon this legacy of excellence.”

About Mike Sharkey

Mike Sharkey brings to Aldersly over twenty years of combined experience in senior living operations, business management, and the hospitality industry. Prior to his new role as executive director at Aldersly, Mr. Sharkey held positions at Cogir Senior Living, serving as executive director at Cogir of Fremont and at Cadence Millbrae. He also served as director of operations at the Millennium Tower in San Francisco, and held various management positions in the hospitality industry, including at brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Extended Stay America. Mr. Sharkey began his extensive career in hospitality working at restaurants in New York City, Portland, Oreg., and Houston.

Prior to his work in the hospitality industry, Mr. Sharkey was a symphonic percussionist and performed with the Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera. He currently co-hosts Love and

Leadership, a podcast which aims to empower young leaders in their careers, with his wife, Kristen Brun Sharkey.

About Aldersly

Celebrating 100 years in 2022, Aldersly is a nonprofit Life Plan Community for older adults based in San Rafael, California. Originally established by Danish immigrants in 1921 as a nonprofit retirement community, the modern Aldersly still adheres to the way of life its founders called “hygge”—a feeling of comfort, positivity, and well-being. Aldersly recently opened the doors to its Rosenborg Memory Care, which includes state-of-the-art features designed specifically to enhance the life experience and wellness of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Aldersly is also adding 35 new independent living apartment residences as part of a multi-phase expansion. For more information, visit www.aldersly.org.