LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow, a provider of senior retirement lifestyle options, announced the appointment of Kathy Martin to the position of president and CEO, effective Oct. 1. She succeeds Anne Thomas in that role.

“After an extensive national search, the board of directors unanimously agreed that Dr. Martin’s exceptional leadership skills, extensive nonprofit experience, and proven track record of successful strategic planning and execution make her the ideal candidate to lead Glenmeadow’s continued transformative development,” said Amy Santarelli, chair of the Glenmeadow board of directors.

Martin brings to the role more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience. She is currently assistant provost for Accreditation and Administration at UMass Amherst and previously served Springfield College in several roles, most recently chief of staff. Her experience in higher education includes prior posts at Bay Path University, Susquehanna University, and Bucknell University. Her volunteer leadership experience includes membership on the board of directors of Glenmeadow and Link to Libraries. She is also a corporator of Square One.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected as Glenmeadow’s next president and CEO,” Martin said. “The strengths of the organization are numerous, as are the parallels between higher education and senior living. I am eager to work with the talented staff and committed board to distinguish Glenmeadow as an exemplary community of choice. The future is certainly bright, and this opportunity is a perfect match with my commitment to serving and strengthening mission-driven organizations and communities. Getting to know the residents and their families is a high priority, and I’m looking forward to getting started. We are going to do great work together.”

Martin earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education (sport management) from Keene State College and her master’s degree in physical education (athletics administration) and doctor of physical education degree (with a specialization in sport psychology) from Springfield College.

LONGMEADOW — Kelsey McDonald, director of Life Enrichment, and Joy Peterson, director of Sales, recently began careers at the Glenmeadow life-plan community in Longmeadow.

McDonald previously worked as an occupational therapist, rehab technician, and certified nursing assistant with several area rehabilitation providers and hospitals. She will oversee Glenmeadow’s life-enrichment programming, which is designed to nurture the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — using the six dimensions of wellness, which include physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and social.

“Kelsey has a vast depth of experience working with older adults and has continued to educate herself in geriatric health,” Glenmeadow President and CEO Anne Thomas said. “Her focus on overall wellness is in line with Glenmeadow’s mission, and I am excited to have her part of the team.”

McDonald graduated with honors from Springfield Technical Community College and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts. She is currently enrolled in an online doctoral program in gerontology at UMass.

Peterson has more than 20 years of marketing and sales experience working for organizations providing senior-living and at home services in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. She believes in a consultative approach to support families in identifying needs and helping educate everyone about the benefits of community living to prevent isolation.

“Joy is personable and professional and has already been helpful in assisting many families in navigating the available options,” Thomas said. “She quickly establishes rapport and puts everyone at ease.”

Peterson graduated from Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and holds a master’s degree from Lasell College with a concentration in elder-care marketing.