Lasell University today named Zehra Abid-Wood president of Lasell Village, the University’s on-campus senior living and learning community.  Following an extensive nationwide search, Zehra emerged as the leading candidate with excellent experience in senior living, organizational management, and visionary strategic thinking for the future of our shared institutions. Abid-Wood will report to the president of Lasell University and will partner closely with the Village’s 13-member board of trustees. She will also serve on the University’s senior management team.

Abid-Wood comes to Lasell Village with more than two decades of leadership experience, most recently as senior vice president of strategy and transformation at Alerislife (formerly Five Star Senior Living). Previously, she was director of project and portfolio management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In prior roles, she was responsible for a staff of more than 150 employees, and oversaw several capital development projects, in addition to holding multiple interim C-suite leadership roles during pivotal transition periods.

“Zehra’s history of extraordinary leadership, combined with her focus on strategic change, makes her the perfect candidate to lead Lasell Village and serve its residents through a pivotal moment in senior living,” says Lasell University President Michael B. Alexander. “Lasell Village has always been at the forefront by creating a groundbreaking, progressive, engaged senior living community. Under Zehra’s leadership, the Lasell Village team will build on our steadfast commitment to innovation, lifelong learning, and excellence.”

Abid-Wood has significant experience in operational and project management, strategic and institutional planning, growth strategy, partner and vendor management, operational effectiveness, real estate development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and brand marketing and sales.

“I am committed to helping reshape the future of aging in place and the continued pursuit of lifelong learning,” said Abid-Wood. “Lasell Village and Lasell University have such a special relationship that offers countless opportunities for continued growth, partnership, and transformational initiatives in education across the lifespan. I am thrilled to be joining the Lasell community and look forward to begin working with residents and staff in the coming weeks.”

“Lasell Village is a special place, not only for our residents, but for our dedicated staff, University students, and the Newton community,” said Jeffrey Simon, chair of the Lasell Village Board of Trustees. “The Village deserves a leader who balances a strategic focus with creative thinking to preserve our distinctive environment. Without question, Zehra is that person.”

Abid-Wood, who will join the Lasell community this spring, earned a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. She spent a year abroad studying at Oxford University in England.