BRIGHTON, Mass. — Lizbeth Heyer has assumed the role of President and Saul and Gitta Kurlat Chief Executive Officer of 2Life Communities, beginning a new chapter for the Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to creating affordable, supportive and community-oriented housing for older adults.
Heyer officially began her new role on October 2, succeeding Amy Schectman, who retired after 16 years of leadership at the organization.
A longtime 2Life Communities executive, Heyer joined the organization in 2014 and has played a central role in its growth, with responsibilities spanning real estate development, healthcare integration and innovative approaches to middle-market senior housing. During her tenure, she helped lead the development, acquisition and modernization of more than 1,000 subsidized apartments.
“Leading 2Life Communities at such a pivotal moment is an extraordinary privilege,” Heyer said. “Our organization is dedicated to empowering older adults and strengthening our communities. I look forward to building on our strong foundation alongside our incredible team, partners, and residents to create even more joyful, vibrant, inclusive, and supportive affordable housing options for seniors.”
Addressing the Growing Need for Affordable Senior Housing
2Life Communities currently serves more than 2,100 residents at 12 properties across seven campuses in Massachusetts. For more than six decades, the organization has developed affordable senior communities designed to provide not only safe and accessible housing, but also opportunities for connection, wellness, dignity and belonging.
Heyer said the need for this work is becoming increasingly urgent as Massachusetts’ older adult population grows and housing and healthcare costs continue to place financial pressure on seniors.
“As the number of older adults rapidly grows, Massachusetts has the highest rate of economic insecurity among older adults in the nation, primarily due to rising housing and healthcare costs,” Heyer said. “Social isolation and loneliness can also pose significant risks to seniors’ health and longevity.”
She said 2Life is responding through supportive housing, healthcare partnerships and advocacy for policies and public investments that can make affordable senior housing easier to develop and sustain.
Residents at the Center of the Mission
Resident advocacy is expected to remain an important part of Heyer’s leadership.
She emphasized that older adults themselves bring critical expertise to conversations about housing, healthcare, public investment and aging in community.
“Our residents are the true experts on why aging in community — surrounded by people who know you, opportunities to connect and contribute, and support when you need it — is the best way to age,” Heyer said.
She pointed to resident participation at the Massachusetts State House and in Washington as an important way older adults can share their lived experiences and help shape public policy.
Heyer said she intends to continue amplifying those voices as 2Life works to expand access to affordable and supportive housing.
Expanding Healthcare and Housing Connections
Healthcare integration has been a major focus of Heyer’s work at 2Life. She was instrumental in the development of Opus Newton, an innovative continuing care retirement community designed for middle-income seniors who may be priced out of traditional senior living options.
2Life recently marked the first anniversary of Opus Newton’s opening, with the community reaching 100% occupancy.
The organization’s broader approach combines housing with health, wellness and social services, reflecting a model in which senior housing serves as more than simply a place to live.
Major Projects Underway Across Massachusetts
Heyer takes over at a time when 2Life Communities is pursuing several significant development projects.
In Lynn, construction is underway on Solimine House, a 150-unit affordable senior housing community expected to open in fall 2027. The campus will include the Magnolia A. Contreras Day Center, a dedicated Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly center operated by Element Care. Massachusetts General Brigham’s Lynn Urgent Care and Medical Office Building is located next door.
2Life is also planning the redevelopment of the former Thurgood Marshall Middle School into 114 apartments for Lynn seniors as part of its proposed 19 Porter Street redevelopment.
Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson praised Heyer’s partnership with the city.
“Lizbeth has been an invaluable partner for us in Lynn, and I know she will be an exceptional President and CEO for 2Life Communities,” Nicholson said. “Our longstanding partnership with 2Life is helping us take meaningful steps toward addressing the pressing need for high-quality, affordable senior housing in Lynn.”
He cited Heyer’s work on Solimine House and the Porter Street redevelopment and said the city looks forward to continuing its partnership with Heyer and 2Life.
Another major project is planned at Olmsted Village in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood. Construction on Brooke House at Olmsted Village is expected to begin later this year on 10 acres of the former Boston State Hospital site.
Brooke House will include 127 affordable senior housing units, along with a community health center and child care center on the ground floor. The same development will include Treehouse at Olmsted Village, with 66 affordable intergenerational apartments. Both developments are expected to open by 2028.
Deep Experience in Housing Policy and Development
2Life Communities Board Chair Laura Efron said Heyer’s experience and relationships will help guide the organization through its next phase of growth.
“Lizbeth is a leader who reflects our values and mission,” Efron said. “She has deep knowledge of the political and real estate landscape, which will empower the organization to grow and expand its reach.”
Efron also highlighted Heyer’s relationships with 2Life staff and residents, government officials and nonprofit leaders, as well as her work at the intersection of senior housing, healthcare access and supportive services.
Heyer currently serves on the board of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA).
Before joining 2Life Communities, she served as Associate Director of Public Housing and Rental Assistance at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. In that role, she led initiatives to preserve and reform the state’s public housing system, expand rental voucher programs and create HomeBASE, a program that provided housing assistance to more than 6,000 homeless families.
Her earlier career included leading real estate efforts for the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation and working as a community organizer focused on preserving expiring-use subsidized housing at the local, state and national levels.
With a portfolio of new developments underway and an expanding focus on healthcare and community-based aging, Heyer’s appointment positions 2Life Communities for continued growth as Massachusetts confronts the increasing demand for affordable housing for older adults.
For Heyer, the next chapter is centered on a straightforward goal: ensuring that older adults have access not only to an affordable home, but to a community where they can remain connected, supported and engaged.
