2Life Communities Names Lizbeth Heyer as New CEO

The veteran executive takes over leadership of the Massachusetts senior housing nonprofit this October.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Seniors

Modern brick courtyard and bench in a Massachusetts senior housing complex, bathed in soft morning light. — Lizbeth Heyer has been named the new CEO of 2Life Communities, the Massachusetts nonprofit that manages 12 senior housing properties. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In October 2026, 2Life Communities named Lizbeth Heyer as its new CEO, succeeding Amy Schectman following her 16-year tenure. The organization currently manages 12 properties serving more than 2,100 residents.

Why it matters

The leadership change follows a strategic expansion effort launched in 2013 to double the nonprofit's housing portfolio. The organization prioritizes site scale and operating efficiencies to maintain affordability for senior tenants.

2Life Communities manages 12 properties with 2,100 residents and maintains a 10-to-1 demand ratio for its housing applications. The Opus Newton site recently reported a 350-person wait list.

The players

Lizbeth Heyer

The new CEO of 2Life Communities brings 33 years of industry experience to the nonprofit role.

Amy Schectman

The outgoing executive served as the CEO of 2Life Communities for a 16-year tenure.

2Life Communities

This Massachusetts-based nonprofit develops and operates affordable housing facilities for seniors.

The details

The nonprofit acquires land through public RFPs and replaces obsolete facilities with modern, sustainable apartments. Recent projects include replacing 64 obsolete units at J.J. Carroll House with 142 new homes and beginning the 126-unit Olmstead Village development in Mattapan.

2013: The organization launched a strategic plan to double its portfolio.
October 2026: Lizbeth Heyer was named CEO.
October 2026: Construction commenced on Olmstead Village.

Culture Shift

The organization's strategy mirrors broader trends in nonprofit housing development, where organizations increasingly leverage public land to meet high demand for middle-market senior living. This shift moves away from traditional models toward larger, sustainable, and highly accessible multi-campus residential networks.

As the organization continues its development projects in areas like Mattapan and Devens, potential senior tenants may face sustained high competition for units given the current 10-to-1 application demand. Residents should monitor public housing authority announcements for new, sustainable apartment openings as aging infrastructure is replaced.

The takeaway

This leadership transition positions the organization to continue its aggressive development of middle-market senior housing across Massachusetts. Prospective residents should prepare for long waiting lists by proactively applying to new community developments as they are announced.