Kristin Kutac Ward, Founder
Kristin Kutac Ward, founder of Austera Group, brings nearly three decades of focused experience in senior living management and consulting. Her career began as a nursing home administrator, a role that laid a strong foundation for her later executive work across the industry.
Before starting Austera Group, Kristin served as Co-CEO at AgeWell Solvere Living following the merger of the two regional management companies in January 2023. Previously, she was President and CEO of Solutions Advisors and Solvere Living. She co-founded Solutions Advisors in 2009 to provide consulting to senior living communities and in 2014 launched Solvere Living as a dedicated management platform. During her 14 years growing Solutions Advisors Group, she consulted with more than 80 communities in 28 states, managing projects involving repositionings, expansions and new development pre-sales, turnarounds, and development of training programs. Under her leadership, Solvere Living grew to manage over 2,800 units and opened fifteen new developments as a third-party manager.
In her earlier role as Chief Operating Officer of American Heritage Communities, Kristin led operational and marketing strategies for a new flagship retirement community development in PA as well as four other acquisitions. She managed investor relations, conducted due diligence for acquisitions, and established AHC’s brand identity, helping to position the company for long-term success.
At Horizon Bay Senior Living, Kristin was the first Vice President of Sales and Marketing when the company was formed and managed marketing and sales for 42 senior communities nationwide. During this time, she developed brand identity, designed a comprehensive sales training program, and led successful rebranding and repositioning initiatives for communities undergoing significant renovations. Her efforts contributed to a notable improvement in conversion ratios and a 93% occupancy rate.
Kristin’s career also includes regional sales and operations roles with Senior Lifestyle Corporation and Sun Healthcare. Her early work as a nursing home administrator with Beverly Enterprises in Atlanta, Georgia, provided her with an in-depth understanding of senior care operations.
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and is a former Nursing Home Administrator in Georgia. Her extensive background has established her as a dedicated and knowledgeable leader in senior living.