Deb Foster

Role and Responsibilities

As the executive director of The Commons in Lincoln, Deb Foster brings a leadership approach rooted in collaboration and resident experience. She oversees operations across the entire campus, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing.

“My focus is on bringing hospitality and care together, listening closely to residents and families and understanding what they want from their community. It is about creating an experience that reflects how they want to live,” Deb shared.

Industry Expertise

Deb brings extensive leadership experience to The Commons. She spent nearly three decades in hospitality leadership, including senior operations roles at the Sheraton Boston Hotel and Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center.

She joined Benchmark Senior Living in 2016 as executive director of The Falls at Cordingly Dam, where she led operations for Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Leadership Philosophy

“I believe the best leaders listen, bring people together and give their teams the tools to shine. We should always be asking how we can make what we do today even better tomorrow. For me, it is about helping people see what is possible and giving them the opportunity to be front and center.”

Passion for Senior Living

“Family has always been such an important part of my life, and that is what I love about senior living. You have the opportunity to really get to know residents and their families, to be there when they need you and to create moments that make people smile. Residents become an extension of your family.”

Milestones

Deb earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bates College and her Master of Business Administration from Boston College. She also completed an HR Management Certification course at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Deb enjoys hosting family gatherings and game nights with her children and grandchildren and spending time with her mother. She plays pickleball, golf and enjoys playing cards.