David Ammons
David Ammons is president of Retirement Living Associates, Inc. (RLA), a company which provides planning, development, marketing, and management services for new and existing retirement communities. He has worked in and with Senior Living Communities since his graduation from Wake Forest University in 1985. Contact David Ammons at david@rlainc.com or 919-783-0044 ext 21.
A significant new chapter is underway for Retirement Living Associates, Inc. (RLA) through its work with the Affordable Senior Housing Foundation (ASHF) and the launch of a new affiliated management company to support operations. This initiative represents both a strategic expansion and a mission-driven commitment to serving an important and often underserved segment of the senior population.
RLA has been an active participant in the senior living industry since the early 1990s. Over three decades, the organization has developed and managed communities across the full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living (with and without memory care), and continuing care retirement communities offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. This experience positions RLA to respond to evolving demographic needs and market dynamics. The launch of ASHF marks a new opportunity focused on affordability, access and community impact.
ASHF is a North Carolina – based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization preparing to acquire nine senior living communities offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Many residents receive housing and service support partially or fully funded through the federal Medicaid program administered by North Carolina. Through this model, ASHF helps ensure moderate-income seniors have access to safe, supportive environments that promote dignity and independence.
ASHF is guided by its mission:
“To develop, own, lease, and operate senior housing properties that foster health, safety, independence, and quality of life for moderate-income seniors.”
The communities being acquired are strong and stable, with established staffs and local ties. Careful selection has been central to ASHF’s strategy. These smaller-scale properties, typically in secondary and tertiary markets, serve as essential local resources supporting residents, families, employees, communities, and regional healthcare networks.
ASHF is led by a talented executive team and board of directors with deep North Carolina roots and a strong service orientation. The organization was created to expand access to quality, affordable senior housing for a population that is growing rapidly yet often overlooked.
Operational support will be provided by Horizon Senior Management, RLA’s newly formed management company. This structure aligns with RLA’s leadership team, including Brandon Hair, vice president of operations; Crandall Lea, director of finance; David Coster, vice president of development; and David Ammons, president. Their combined experience provides a strong foundation for long-term success.
Horizon Senior Management is proud to support this initiative. Delivering high-quality senior living — regardless of price point or market size — is central to its philosophy. Horizon will emphasize excellence in sales and marketing, financial reporting and budgeting, staffing and employee engagement, dining services, resident programming, licensure and compliance, and continuous quality improvement.
Together, ASHF and Horizon Senior Management are committed to strengthening communities and preserving access to affordable, high-quality senior housing throughout North Carolina for years to come.