Meet Our New Executive Director: MaryAnn Howell Joins Serenades Longwood

Serenades Longwood is proud to announce the appointment of MaryAnn Howell as its new Executive Director, bringing more than 15 years of distinguished leadership in senior living operations, strategic growth, and community development to the organization.

MaryAnn joins Serenades Longwood with an impressive background in multi-community management, start-up leadership, and operational excellence across the Southeast region. Her career reflects a consistent record of success in driving occupancy growth, resident satisfaction, and fiscal performance while fostering compassionate, person-centered care environments.

Most recently, MaryAnn served as Area Director of Operations with Brookdale Senior Living, where she led multiple communities in the Southeast Division—overseeing budgeting, financial performance, and strategic initiatives to elevate resident experiences. Prior to that, she served as Senior Executive Director and Area Mentor at Watercrest Senior Living in Winter Park, where she opened a new 118-unit luxury community, achieved top resident satisfaction scores, and mentored future leaders within the organization.

Her career began with Brookdale Oviedo, where she developed her operational and leadership foundation, successfully managing daily operations, financial planning, and regulatory compliance.

Beyond her professional credentials, MaryAnn is a passionate advocate for quality of life, meaningful engagement, and dignity in aging. Her leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, integrity, and creating purpose-driven environments where residents and staff thrive together.