For Savannah Lively, executive director at The Birches on Maple, leadership isn’t just about managing operations — it’s about building connections, championing seniors and creating an environment where both residents and staff can thrive.
Overseeing a nine-member management team, Lively works closely with department heads, providing the guidance and resources they need to succeed. She ensures compliance with state regulations, helps her team navigate challenges and serves as a problem solver for everyone under her care.
“My job is to be a support system,” Lively said. “I make sure our department heads have everything they need to be successful, and I help them navigate state regulations while hitting their goals.”
Beyond her administrative role, Lively is a passionate advocate for the residents at The Birches on Maple. Whether addressing concerns, spending time with residents who prefer solitude or simply stopping by during meals to chat, she makes it a priority to ensure every individual feels seen and valued.
“I want to get to know our residents on a personal level,” she said. “If they don’t enjoy group activities, I make an effort to visit them in their rooms, so they still feel connected.”
Lively’s journey into senior living began early. Originally planning to pursue nursing, she started working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in high school. It was there that she met a mentor in a senior living community who changed her perspective and ignited her passion for executive leadership in long-term care.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, Lively specialized in long-term care and became a certified assisted living administrator (CALA). She gained hands-on experience in various roles — serving as a certified medication aide and office manager — before stepping into an executive director position.
“Service has always been at the heart of what I do,” she said. “I grew up leading and teaching in my church, then worked as a waitress. Everything I’ve done has been rooted in serving others, and that passion naturally led me to health care.”
Originally from Acworth, Georgia, Lively attended Woodland High School in Cartersville, and later earned her degree at Reinhardt University in Waleska. After moving to Carrollton with her husband, she found an opportunity to build meaningful connections through her work at The Birches on Maple.
“One of the most rewarding things about working here is being part of a community,” she said. “I was really involved in my hometown, so when I moved, it was important for me to find that sense of belonging again. The Birches on Maple gave me that.”
Lively sees The Birches on Maple as a vital resource for Carrollton’s senior community.
“Seniors are often overlooked,” she said. “So much attention is placed on children, but our veterans and elders deserve the same level of care and advocacy. We’re here to ensure they’re not forgotten.”
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity and intentionality. She believes in taking a personal approach to every interaction — whether with a staff member, resident or prospective family touring the community.
“This isn’t home for most of our residents — it’s their second home,” she said. “We want to make it as warm as possible while always treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
With Lively’s dedication and leadership, The Birches on Maple continues to be a place where seniors feel valued, staff feel supported and the community recognizes the importance of quality senior care.
Author: Shaunna LaBouve
