Our Leadership

Mr. Eskenazy joined Cogir Management USA team as Chief Executive Officer in November 2021, having served as Cogir’s Chairman of the Board since the start of 2020. David last served as President of Merrill Gardens, and previously was the Chief Financial Officer for Aegis Living. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with RC Hedreen Co., a Seattle based hotel development company, and for 16 years was a member of the board of directors for Outerwall (NASD: OUTR), parent company for Redbox and Coinstar, prior to its acquisition by Apollo. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the California Assisted Living Association.

Gottfried Ernst is an established operations executive with 20+ years of experience within the hospitality and senior living industries. He’s a multiple award winner best known for shaping the strategies, processes, and programs behind highly efficient and customer-focused communities.

He adds value as a bold leader who knows how to impact positive change, secure buy-in, and act as a conduit to ensure management strategies and vision are adopted across all departments and business lines.

After obtaining his degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism from HLT Semmering in Austria, Gottfried worked in management roles at several 4- and 5-star hotels in Austria, Switzerland, and the UK. In 2002, he started his career in the senior housing industry at Brookdale Senior Living, the nation’s largest Senior Housing operator. Over his 16-year tenure at Brookdale, he held field and corporate leadership positions and progressed to vice president overseeing all aspects of food and beverage operations for over 600 locations. Gottfried was inducted into Brookdale’s President Circle in 2005 and was vital in developing and implementing several Argentum award-winning programs.

In 2018, Gottfried started as Vice President at Green Courte Partners LLC, a private real estate investment firm. In his role, he provided oversight of Operation and all resident experience functions of Green Courte’s Senior Housing portfolio.

Most recently, Gottfried held the SVP of Operations position at Discovery Senior Living Management LLC, overseeing the day-to-day Operations, Sales, Data Analysis, Asset Management, Operational Transition and Growth Strategy, Performance Improvement as well as various corporate support services such as Resident Engagement, Culinary, Maintenance, Capital Planning, Billing, Administrative, Clinical, and Memory Care functions,

Gottfried is a proven innovator with a reputation for designing cutting-edge programs that enhance the prospect and resident experience. Leveraging his expert knowledge and prior experience, he navigated critical operations challenges, including technology and systems integrations, local, state, and federal regulatory compliance, budgeting and forecasting and managing operating costs.

In the earlier years of his career, Gottfried partook in several bartending competitions and was the winner of a national cooking competition, “Goldenes Reindl” in Vienna, Austria. Gottfried serves on several boards and recently joined the Revelry Group’s advisory board.

Robert has an over 25-year career in the real estate industry. He has held CFO or senior financial management positions with several large real estate companies, including Meritage Homes, Walton Development and Management, MCO Properties, Sun State Builders and Cordillera. He has financed nearly $3 billion of real estate development projects and joint ventures located throughout the southern United States.

Rob brings over 25 years of real estate and legal experience to Cogir. He was most recently a Principal and Co-Founder of Cadence Living. Prior to Cadence, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer for a Canadian-based real estate private equity group of companies, where he directed the growth of U.S. operations from 2007 to 2016.

Overseeing all HR functions including talent acquisition, succession planning, employee retention, benefits, employee relations, claims, and people development. With over three decades of experience in the Hospitality industry, Randy’s career spans leadership roles at Hyatt Hotels, Republic Services, MGM Resorts, and Atrium Hospitality. He is an accomplished leader who will provide exceptional guidance to Cogir by building, developing, and advancing team members across the organization. His strategic direction will not only drive the team’s success, but also propel the company towards fulfilling its reputational goals. Randy holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources from the University of Arizona, alongside certifications in Caliper Assessment and DDI facilitation.

A dynamic marketing strategist and brand builder, Heidi brings a fresh perspective to Cogir’s marketing initiatives, overseeing all sales and marketing functions, including training, program development, digital marketing, PR, social media, copywriting, and crisis communication. Heidi’s expertise lies in digital strategy, marketing automation, and emerging channels, which will enable her to drive growth, customer relationships and revenue for Cogir. Previously serving as VP of Marketing and ECommerce at BRE Hotels and Resorts, Heidi orchestrated the marketing strategy for a national portfolio of hotel assets valued at more than $10 billion. Prior to her tenure at BRE, Heidi held executive positions at Stormwind, Remington Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and various airlines. Heidi holds a BA in Spanish from Tufts University and an MBA from RICE University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business.

Holly has 20 years of senior living experience and has served in positions like Regional Director of Operations, Corporate Compliance Officer and Director of Licensing and Regulatory Compliance. She has also worked for Sunrise Senior Living, Integral Senior Living and Stonecrest Senior Living. Additionally, Holly is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and previously taught the Certified Assisted Living Director (CALD) training course for her state’s chapter of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Holly has a Masters of Healthcare Administration and a Masters of Business Administration.

With an accomplished background in the healthcare and senior housing industry, Martin has demonstrated dedication and a service-oriented mindset, always prioritizing the well-being of the seniors under his care. His extensive twenty years of expertise spans facility operations, interior design, construction, and capital allocation. Martin’s most recent role as Vice President of Real Estate at Hanger, Inc., involved leading comprehensive construction management and overseeing all real estate activities to enhance team performance and optimize facility operations. Martin has a bachelor’s degree in business management, also served 8 years in the US Navy and was awarded 2 Naval Achievement medals. Martin’s depth of knowledge and experience serves as the cornerstone for Cogir to elevate its dedication to excellence.

Tracy is a highly accomplished health care professional with over 20 years of experience in the senior living industry. Before joining Cogir, she held roles with Cadence, Atria Senior Living, Sierra Pointe Management, Brookdale and Encore Senior Living. Beginning her career as a caregiver and working her way up to head operations, Tracy has been involved with every aspect of senior housing. She has a proven record of success in business development, is adept at leading cross-functional teams and offers strong knowledge of current trends in gerontology care, state regulations and compliance standards for senior care facilities.

Tyler has over 10 years of experience in senior living operations, marketing, accounting and has a true passion for our senior population.  He currently serves as a member of the North Carolina Assisted Living Association Board of Directors.  Tyler has functioned in various operational roles in his tenure with Cogir. In his prior experience he held Executive Director roles for various senior living providers including Brookdale Senior Living and Enlivant Senior Living. His drive for success shines through as a leader by fostering an exceptional environment for teams to achieve optimal business performance. Tyler earned a bachelor’s degree in Organization and Public Communication with a minor in Business Administration from Appalachian State University.

Erin has over 22 years of experience in the commercial real estate business, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations for Anthology Senior Living.  In that role she was responsible for overseeing operations of all 36 operating and new construction communities, in addition to the oversight of Clinical, Culinary, Sales & Marketing, and Programming.  Prior to her time at Anthology she was the Vice President of Strategic Operations for Spectrum Retirement Communities, assisting in the identification and implementation of operational initiatives for the 45-building portfolio.  Erin earned both her BA in Molecular Biology and MBA at the University of Colorado.

Phil has over 25 years of experience in Senior Living. Most recently, Phil was Regional Vice President for MorningStar Senior Living, covering the western United States. He began his career in senior living as a Dining Room Server while in college, discovering his love for caring for our elders.  After college, Phil worked for Enterprise-Rent-A-Car and worked his way up to a Regional Director of Operations, overseeing new construction and remodeling projects, in addition to daily facility operations. Phil then returned to senior living joining Carlton Senior Living, holding various roles from Executive Director to Director of Strategic Development.  He transitioned to Elder Care Alliance where he was Vice President of Operations overseeing daily operations of communities, plant operations, and activities.

Phil is a true believer in servant leadership and is skilled at working alongside staff to motivate and support teams, to grow new leaders, and create thriving communities. He is gifted at transitioning older buildings to become modern communities with the latest technologies.  Phil has opened and participated in many new development communities from design and construction through opening and stabilization.

Phil is a longtime member of the California Assisted Living Association, currently serving on the Recognition and Awards committee, previous committees include Workforce Development and Public Policy.  He holds an Administrator Licenses in California and Oregon. Phil earned a BA in History from California State University, Chico, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Sonoma State University.  He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two daughters.