After a thorough national search conducted by Deffet Group, Inc., Sunnyside Communities is proud to announce the appointment of Cathy Symanski as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective as of April 21, 2025.
Cathy brings more than 25 years of senior living and healthcare experience to the role, most recently serving as CFO for Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Her career in senior living began at a nonprofit organization in her hometown of Western Massachusetts, where she steadily rose from payroll coordinator to Associate Vice President of Finance.
“I have always tried to commit myself to the greater good—giving more than I take,” said Symanski, who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Business Administration at Villanova University, with plans to graduate in May 2026.
Drawn to Sunnyside Communities by its exceptional culture and forward-thinking leadership, Cathy says she is most excited to work alongside an innovative and empathetic team. “My primary goal is to fully immerse myself in the systems and workflows at Sunnyside, and to support the organization’s strategic growth while ensuring the ongoing strength of its financial foundation,” she shared.
Describing her leadership style as approachable and collaborative, Cathy prioritizes active listening and relationship-building across departments, always keeping resident care at the forefront of her decision-making. She also sees great opportunities ahead for Sunnyside to continue leading the way in a rapidly evolving senior living landscape, particularly as the industry navigates regulatory and market changes.
Outside of her professional life, Cathy enjoys golfing with her husband, Gary, spending time with their children, and staying active outdoors. The couple looks forward to relocating to the Shenandoah Valley, where they plan to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Cathy will be visiting each of Sunnyside’s campuses in the coming weeks, offering residents, team members, and partners the opportunity to get to know her better.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cathy to Sunnyside Communities,” said President and CEO Josh Lyons. “Her depth of experience, commitment to mission-driven work, and approachable leadership style make her a tremendous addition to our team.”
