Kristin Kutac Ward is the Founder of Austera Group and a nationally recognized leader in senior living operations, strategy, and advisory services. With nearly three decades of experience spanning operations, consulting, development, and executive leadership, Kristin has built a career defined by disciplined growth, innovation, and a deep understanding of the senior living business from the ground up.
Senior Living Leadership & Platform Growth
Kristin began her career as a nursing home administrator, establishing an operations-first leadership style rooted in regulatory knowledge, day-to-day community management, and resident-centered care. She later held executive roles across multiple organizations, including serving as the first Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Horizon Bay Senior Living, where she oversaw marketing and sales for 42 communities nationwide and helped drive occupancy to 93 percent through brand development, training programs, and repositioning initiatives.
She went on to serve as Chief Operating Officer of American Heritage Communities, where she led operations and marketing for a flagship retirement community development and multiple acquisitions, managing investor relations, due diligence, and brand strategy.
In 2009, Kristin co-founded Solutions Advisors to provide strategic consulting to senior living owners and operators nationwide. Over 14 years, she consulted on more than 80 communities across 28 states, leading repositionings, turnarounds, expansions, new development pre-sales, and training program development. In 2014, she launched Solvere Living as a third-party management platform, growing the organization to over 2,800 units and opening 15 new developments.
Strategic Advisory & Industry Impact
Following the merger of Solvere Living and AgeWell Senior Living in January 2023, Kristin served as Co-CEO of AgeWell Solvere Living, overseeing the integration of two regional management platforms and guiding the combined organization through its next phase of growth, scale, and operational alignment.
Kristin’s career also includes regional sales and operations leadership roles with Senior Lifestyle Corporation and Sun Healthcare, further broadening her perspective across operating models and market environments.
Education & Credentials
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and is a former licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the state of Georgia.