Colleen Baybutt is Focusing on Occupancy, Maintaining High-Quality Health Services
NORFOLK, Va., April 2, 2025 – Harbor’s Edge, the premier Life Plan Community in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, has promoted Chief Operating Officer Colleen Baybutt to CEO.
Baybutt made the transition on Dec. 31, succeeding Neil Volder, founder, developer and previous CEO, who retired. A Life Plan Community offers independent living residences and access to higher levels of care on one campus.
“Colleen’s extensive experience with our community and dedication to the residents and team makes her the perfect choice to lead the community into the next chapter of Harbor’s Edge,” said Board Chair Bruce Holbrook. “Her strong relationship with the Resident Association Committee and Harbor’s Edge Board of Directors will shepherd a strong future for the community.”
Baybutt joined Harbor’s Edge in 2006 when her company, HR Business Solutions, was engaged as the human resources consultant for the project during the start-up phases of Harbor’s Edge.
“At that time, I was hired to help build the team, develop policies and work with regulators to open the community,” said Baybutt. “Since then, I’ve been fortunate to touch all aspects of the business, including team development, resident engagement, operational oversight and sales and marketing.”
This experience has given Baybutt the tools for success to navigate the community through some challenging waters as the chief operating officer. Baybutt oversaw the completion and achievement of 93% occupancy of River Tower, Harbor Edge’s second tower, in 2024, and she helped the community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now her focus is on driving occupancy in independent living, assisted living and memory support, while maintaining high quality health services in Harbor Edge’s 33-bed Medicare skilled nursing facility.
“Through all the years of leading our community, Colleen has been a tremendous asset to the Harbor’s Edge Board of Directors, and her attention to detail has elevated this community to the premier option for Life Plan Communities in Hampton Roads,” said Rear Adm. Jack Kavanaugh, Harbor’s Edge board member.
Recently, Baybutt has been instrumental in securing additional vendors to refine community amenities such as improved salon services through PS Salons, an on-site 24/7 convenience store, VHS Pharmacy, on-site cardiology services through Innovation Cardiology and a medical clinic offering onsite primary and urgent care.
In her new position, Baybutt will live in one of the residences in the River Tower at Harbor’s Edge, being one of the few Life Plan Community CEOs in the country who call their community home.
“I am privileged to live among some of the most diverse, accomplished and endearing people who make my job both enjoyable and rewarding. I witness the daily interactions between residents and staff, and I am incredibly proud that our residents rate satisfaction with our staff at 91%,” Baybutt said.
“Being onsite allows me to enjoy all the amenities that the community has to offer, including fitness classes and pickleball, cultural events and weekly outings, happy hours and spa treatments” she said. “I get a new perspective on the fine dining experience, wellness and activity programs, facilities management and customer service, and it helps me grow my relationship with the team members and residents.”
