Bill Pettit

Bill Pettit is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the R. D. Merrill Co. and Merrill Gardens.

Merrill Gardens, based in Seattle, Washington owns and operates 53 communities in 8 states. Merrill Gardens has over 2,600 employees and the capacity to serve over 6,770 residents.

Pettit joined Merrill Gardens in 1992 after 18 years in the banking industry. He was instrumental in the formation of the company, starting with one community in 1993. He directed the rapid growth and timely execution of acquisitions, and developed the policies that speak to the Merrill Gardens commitment to quality. In 1999, Pettit oversaw the company's largest acquisition when Merrill Gardens purchased 18 communities owned by TORCH Health Care.

Under Pettit's leadership, Pacific Lutheran University and the Family Business Institute named Merrill Gardens the Washington State Family Business of the Year for 2004. The company was chosen based on innovative business strategies, company performance, and contributions to the community.

Merrill Gardens has been recognized as one of the Puget Sound Business Journal's fastest growing private companies three years in a row. (2001, 2002, 2003)

Pettit has a bachelor's degree from Princeton and a M.B.A. from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Executive Board of the American Seniors Housing Association.

Doug Spear

Doug Spear brings 16 years of financial experience to his role as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Spear is responsible for all the financial practices of Merrill Gardens, from acquisition planning to ongoing financing issues. He oversees accounting, insurance, technology and finance matters impacting development, acquisitions and operations for the company's 53 communities in 8 states.

Spear was instrumental in formulating Merrill Gardens internal audit system, ensuring that each community meets the company's high standards in the areas of quality services, human resources, food service and accounting practices. Based on these innovative business strategies and company performance, Merrill Gardens was named the Washington State Family Business of the Year for 2004 by the Family Business Institute and Pacific Lutheran University.

Merrill Gardens has been recognized as one of the Puget Sound Business Journal's fastest growing private companies three years in a row. (2001, 2002, 2003)

Spear was vice president and controller for the RD Merrill Company for three years before he joined the Merrill Gardens senior management team. Previously, Spear spent 11 years in public accounting including three years at Ernst and Young.

Spear is a licensed C.P.A. in the State of Washington and he received his B.A in Business Administration from Seattle Pacific University in 1988. He is a member of the National Investment Council (NIC) owner/operator advisory board.

Steve Delmore

Steve Delmore has been with Merrill Gardens from the beginning as general manager and working his way up to Executive Vice President of Operations. He has helped to guide the growth and success of the company with his expertise in all forms of senior housing.

Delmore is responsible for the operations of all 53 Merrill Gardens communities in 8 states across the country. Under his leadership, Merrill Gardens continues to set industry standards and implement innovative programs for residents and team members. It was the first to eliminate set meal times and offer residents its exclusive Anytime Dining program so residents enjoy restaurant style meals on their own schedule. The company made a commitment to technology for residents, with computers specially designed for seniors in each community.

Delmore's commitment to quality led to the Merrill Gardens Guarantee, offering residents their money back if they are not satisfied in their new Merrill Gardens home after 60 days. He established the Team Merrill Gardens Bonus to reward team members for providing high levels of resident satisfaction.

Delmore joined the company in 1993 after two years with Fields & Associates where he oversaw low-income senior housing projects. Delmore also worked with Leisure Care, Inc. of Bellevue, Washington in a variety of managerial positions.

Delmore graduated with a B.A. in Public Administration from Seattle University in 1985 and is a graduate of the University of Washington Business School Executive Management Program. He is a member of the American Seniors Housing Association.

Charles Wright

The Merrill companies began in the 1890's when Charlie Wright's great grandfather, R.D. Merrill, formed timber partnerships in the Pacific Northwest. An aggressive businessman, Merrill was compassionate and forward thinking. Under his leadership, The R.D. Merrill Company grew to become a successful business as strong as its magnificent forests.

Fourth generation family member Wright carries on his grandfather's vision today. In 1993, he pursued opportunities to diversify the R.D. Merrill Company, looking for an industry to extend Merrill's long-term commitment to quality. In the senior housing industry, he found a focus on quality and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of senior residents. The company purchased its first retirement community that year and today Merrill Gardens has over 2,600 employees and the capacity to serve over 6,770 residents.

Wright was named an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2003 for guiding the growth of Merrill Gardens. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs whose achievements make them leaders in business. Wright was chosen from a large group of nominees in five Western states to receive this highly coveted award.

Pacific Lutheran University and the Family Business Institute named Merrill Gardens the Washington State Family Business of the Year for 2004. The company was chosen based on innovative business strategies, company performance, and contributions to the community.

Wright received his bachelor's degree from Princeton and his law degree from Stanford.