BOSTON— The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) has been named 2025 Organization of the Year by the Boston Real Estate Times, in recognition of its outstanding leadership, tireless advocacy, and enduring commitment to improving the lives of older adults across the Commonwealth.
The award will be presented to Mass-ALA CEO Brian Doherty at the Excellence Awards Gala on September 11, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel. The event will honor leading real estate companies and individuals who are shaping the future of real estate, community development, and architecture across Massachusetts.
A Powerful Voice for Assisted Living
Representing nearly 90% of the professionally operated assisted living residences in Massachusetts, Mass-ALA has become a powerful and trusted voice for a sector that supports thousands of older adults. Through its core pillars—advocacy, education, and operational support—the not-for-profit organization ensures that assisted living remains a safe, sustainable, and empowering option for individuals with a wide range of needs and income levels.
At the helm is Brian Doherty, a seasoned association executive whose blend of policy acumen, housing and healthcare experience, and personal passion for aging services has helped elevate Mass-ALA to new heights. Since assuming leadership in 2018, Doherty has guided the organization through some of its most challenging moments—including the COVID-19 pandemic—while building a long-term vision centered on quality, dignity, and access.
“Assisted living represents a nexus where housing, health, and policy intersect,” Doherty said. “At Mass-ALA, we strive to translate policy into impactful services that allow older adults to thrive with independence and dignity.”
Advocacy Rooted in Purpose
Mass-ALA is known not just for responding to challenges—but for proactively shaping the future of assisted living. From lobbying for inclusive regulatory frameworks to advocating for increased funding and access, the organization is deeply engaged at both the state and national levels. Its efforts have helped define Massachusetts as a leader in resident-centered care.
Following the tragic Gabriel House fire, Mass-ALA helped galvanize a statewide response, connecting displaced residents with communities offering housing and support. It was a sobering moment that reaffirmed the sector’s responsibility—and Mass-ALA’s role in mobilizing swift, compassionate action.
Preparing the Next Generation of Caregivers
Beyond policy, Mass-ALA is also investing in the workforce of the future. Its strategic growth plan includes partnerships to promote career pathways in assisted living and initiatives to address ongoing staffing shortages.
“A central priority is expanding partnerships and building a strong pipeline of professionals across all roles,” said Doherty. “That’s how we ensure a sustainable future for the sector.”
The organization offers a robust catalog of educational programming, from leadership development to specialized training in dementia care and compliance. It’s a commitment to excellence that extends to every level of care, and one that continues to raise standards across the industry.
Leading with Heart—and Strategy
Doherty’s path to Mass-ALA wasn’t a straight line—but it was a purposeful one. His background in government affairs, real estate, and behavioral health gave him a unique lens into the multifaceted needs of aging populations. He credits his grandmother’s time in memory care as a deeply personal experience that fueled his commitment to the sector.
“As I became more immersed, I realized how interconnected housing, healthcare, and behavioral health truly are,” he said. “That realization continues to shape how we support our members and the older adults they serve.”
A Moment of Recognition—and Reflection
For Doherty, some of the most inspiring moments have come not in legislative chambers or boardrooms—but in rooms filled with caregivers, residents, and community leaders.
“At our recent Excellence Awards Dinner, one of our honorees, Charlie Kanter, came to the podium and shared that he was 100 years old,” Doherty recalled. “The entire room erupted into applause and gave him a standing ovation. That moment captured everything we stand for—resilience, community, and the power of human connection.”
Q&A with Brian Doherty, CEO of Mass-ALA
Boston Real Estate Times: What first sparked your interest in your current field?
Brian Doherty: My path to the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association was born from an interest in both public policy and experience working for housing and behavioral health organizations. Assisted living represents a nexus where these critical sectors come together and where policies translate to tangible, impactful services for individuals and families. My work through the association allows me to leverage my expertise in public policy, housing, and health to advocate for older adults to ensure that every resident receives the highest quality of care in a community that helps them stay healthy and happy.
BRET: What are some of the key milestones or turning points in your professional journey?
BD: Key milestones in my professional journey include transitioning from a specialization in government affairs to an executive role, moving from housing to healthcare, and gaining a broader understanding of how I can apply my past experiences to address key issues in assisted living for the betterment of assisted living residences and the older adults they serve.
Transitioning from a specialization in government affairs to an executive role was significant as associations operate at the intersection of business, government, and civic life, requiring a much broader lens. Another turning point was shifting from housing to healthcare, which was not only an exciting leap that came with a steep learning curve, but a chance to expand my knowledge and impact.
When I entered the assisted living sector, it became apparent just how interconnected the field is. When I first joined, I expected my healthcare experience to be most relevant, especially since my initial connection to the field was personal through my grandmother’s time in memory care. However, as I became more immersed, I realized that the housing component, as well as life enrichment programming, aligned closely with my earlier experience in housing and behavioral health. This realization reinforced how interconnected these sectors are, and how past roles continue to inform and strengthen new ones in service of advancing positive impacts for our members and the older adults at their communities.
BRET: What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?
BD: We have had two stark reminders of the gravity and responsibility of the work we do caring for older adults. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point that shifted the focus of assisted living associations to promote health policy, infection prevention best practices, and provide up-to-date best practices. It pushed us to evolve quickly and take on an even more essential role in keeping older adults safe.
More recently, the tragic Gabriel House fire was a heartbreaking reminder of the deep responsibility we carry in caring for vulnerable populations. Across the state, assisted living communities mobilized without hesitation offering housing, support, and resources to those in need.
BRET: What continues to motivate or inspire you every day?
BD: What continues to inspire me every day are the people who make assisted living special. One moment that always stands out for me was at our most recent annual Excellence Awards Dinner, where we recognize individuals at all levels of the field for their myriad contributions. When our Resident Spirit Award winner, Charlie Kanter, came to the podium and shared that he was 100 years old, the entire room erupted in applause and gave him a standing ovation. Moments like that, celebrating dedication, resilience, and the human spirit, remind me why this work matters and keeps me motivated every day.
BRET: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
BD: Early in your career, it’s easy to question whether your hard work will pay off or to feel uncertain about the long-term direction you’re heading in. It’s important to remember that if you’re passionate and give your best each day, opportunities will come, and your path will become clearer with time.
Congratulations to Mass-ALA and Brian Doherty, this year’s Organization of the Year—champions of quality care, tireless advocates for older adults, and visionary leaders shaping the future of assisted living in Massachusetts.
