NIC Announces New Board Appointments and 2026–2027 Officer Slate
During a time of growing demand in the senior housing sector, NIC’s board appointments deepen the company’s expertise to further advance access and choice for older adults
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 23, 2026)— The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) today announced the appointment of four new members to its board, three directors and one subject matter expert advisor, effective July 1, 2026. The new members will guide the organization as it continues its role supporting informed decision-making and responsible growth in the industry.
“This is an exciting moment for NIC, and for the senior housing and care sector,” said incoming board chair, Kenneth Segarnick, principal at KCS Growth Partners, LLC. “We are adding extraordinary talent to our board — individuals who have not only shaped their corners of the industry, but who have already demonstrated their dedication to NIC’s work through years of active involvement. I am energized by what this team will accomplish together, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation we have as we work to advance quality and innovation while expanding access and choice for older adults.”
The new directors are:
Jamie Cobb, CFO, Columbia Pacific Advisors
Cobb brings deep financial expertise and a longstanding commitment to NIC’s mission to the board. He has served on the NIC Spring Conference Program Committee for many years, contributing to the organization’s premier education and networking events.
Ben Firestone, CEO & Co-Founder, Blueprint Healthcare Real Estate Advisors
Firestone is a graduate of NIC’s Future Leaders Council (FLC) and a former member of the NIC Fall Conference Program Committee. As co-founder of Blueprint, he has been an active voice in senior housing capital markets and transactions.
Tana Gall, President, Merrill Gardens
Gall is a recognized operator leader who currently serves as co-chair of the NIC Fall Conference Program Committee and vice chair of the NIC Operator Advisory Board. Her appointment to the board reflects NIC’s ongoing commitment to integrating operator perspectives in its work.
The new subject matter expert advisor is:
Colette Dafoe, Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP
Dafoe is an FLC alumna and currently serves as chair of the NIC FLC Advisory Committee. Her legal expertise and deep involvement in NIC’s leadership development programs make her a valuable addition to the board in an advisory capacity.
The board also approved the following officers for the 2026–2027 term:
- Board Chair: Ken Segarnick, Principal, KCS Growth Partners, LLC
- Vice Chair: John Rijos, Co-founder/Operating Partner, Chicago Pacific Founders & Founder/Chairman of CPF Living Communities
- Second Vice Chair: Lynne Katzmann, Founder & CEO, Juniper Communities
- Secretary: Bre Grubbs, Chief Strategy Officer, Leisure Care
- Treasurer: Matt Ruark, Senior Vice President, KeyBank
- Assistant Treasurer: Vikas Gupta, Chief Investment Officer, Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
NIC’s impact is strengthened by the expertise and commitment of its volunteer leaders, whose service on the board, committees, and advisory groups helps guide the organization’s strategic direction and advance its mission.
The NIC board appointments come as interest in senior housing investment is strong, and the need for more options for older adults reaches a critical stage.
About the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care
The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), a 501(c)(3) organization, works to enable access and choice by providing data, analytics, and connections that bring together investors and providers. The organization delivers the most trusted, objective, and timely insights and implications derived from its analytics, which benefit from NIC’s affiliation with NIC MAP, the leading provider of comprehensive market data for senior housing and skilled nursing properties. NIC events, which include the industry’s premiere conferences, provide sector stakeholders with opportunities to convene, network, and drive thought-leadership through high-quality educational programming. For more information, visit NIC’s website and follow NIC on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.