FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2025
CONTACT: Katie Franklin | 302.690.0355 | Katie.Franklin@finnpartners.com
Sherman to Succeed Valerie Burke, Whose Tenure Was Marked by the Expansion and Deepening of Goodwin Living’s Culture of Generosity
Alexandria, Va. – Today, Goodwin Living™, a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living and health care services organization in the National Capital Region, announced that Heather Sherman has been selected as the new Chief Philanthropy Officer. She succeeds Valerie Burke, who will retire effective January 2026 following more than seven years of passionate and dedicated service to growing the Goodwin Living Foundation.
During Burke’s tenure, the Goodwin Living Foundation launched the Citizenship program, which supports immigrant team members on the journey to obtain U.S. citizenship, created and funded a brain health program that now touches the lives of more than 60,000 older adults and introduced a student loan repayment program for team members in clinical positions.
“Throughout the nationwide search for a philanthropy leader who would be able to lift the work of the Goodwin Living Foundation to new heights, we focused on candidates who could cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of residents, members, patients and team members and of the connections that bind us as a place of welcome, excellence and compassion,” said Rob Liebreich, President & CEO of Goodwin Living. “With her heart for older adults and clear ideas on how to increase our impact, Heather stood out in the recruitment process and was the natural choice.”
“I’m beyond excited to join the Goodwin Living Foundation as Chief Philanthropy Officer, as this opportunity brings together everything I’m passionate about — building meaningful relationships, inspiring generosity and making a difference in the lives of others,” said Sherman. “The chance to serve and celebrate older adults and to honor their stories, wisdom and spirit is truly a privilege.”
Sherman brings more than 20 years of philanthropic and professional experience to her new role. She most recently served successfully as the Vice President of Fund Development for Melwood, a not-for-profit organization that is one of the nation’s leading advocates, employers and service providers for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Prior to this role, she served for more than twelve years with the AARP Foundation in roles including Gift Planning Officer and Director of Major and Planned Gifts.
Sherman received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications from DeSales University, a Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a Juris Doctor degree in law from Purdue Global Law School.
Throughout the past seven years, the Goodwin Living Foundation has significantly increased its endowment —from $13 million to $37 million — completed a $10 million campaign to fund strategic priorities and key positions, built an annual fund approaching $2 million a year and fostered a dynamic community of generosity that ensures lasting impact.
For more information on Goodwin Living, please visit GoodwinLiving.org.
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About Goodwin Living™ (goodwinliving.org) Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., specialized health care services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 80 countries. Goodwin Living has been named a Top Workplace by The Washington Post for seven consecutive years and was recognized nationally as the #13 Top Workplace in the United States by USA Today in 2025. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
