David S. Schless

David S. Schless has served as president and CEO of the American Seniors Housing Association since its founding in 1991. Over 35 years of leadership, he has grown ASHA into a powerful national voice representing C-suite executives from leading developers, owners, operators and financiers in the $269.8 billion seniors housing industry.

Under Schless’s direction, ASHA champions for high-quality housing and services for older adults, with a strong commitment to ensuring individuals can live with dignity in the setting of their choice. The association advances this mission through legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry leadership, and a robust, data-driven research agenda.

Schless’s interest in gerontology and policy began at an early age, leading him to study at the University of Connecticut’s Traveler’s Center on Aging. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Applied Gerontology through the Center for Studies in Aging.

With more than three decades of experience in the field, Schless has contributed to more than 100 research studies focused on seniors housing and aging. Notably, he spearheaded the launch of the industry’s first consumer education initiative, Where You Live Matters, which provides seniors and their families with essential insights into housing and care options.

In addition to his leadership at ASHA, Schless serves as treasurer of the Seniors Housing Political Action Committee, the largest PAC dedicated to supporting federal candidates who advocate for quality housing and services for older adults. He also co-authored the HDR Affordable Seniors Housing Handbook, which was revised and published ten times between 1995 and 2005 by Thomson West.

Under his stewardship, in 1993 ASHA became the first organization to benchmark an extensive array of operating and financial performance measures for seniors housing.  Its annual State of Senior Housing report is an indispensable asset for industry owners, operators, investors, and other professionals and is now updated on a quarterly basis. ASHA continues to participate in groundbreaking research studies that will move the seniors housing industry forward.

Schless’s influence extends beyond ASHA. In 2022, he was appointed to the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures International Advisory Council and continues to serve in advisory roles with CARF and The Granger Cobb Institute for the Business of Aging at Washington State University.

Deeply committed to philanthropy, Schess has co-chaired the Alzheimer’s Association Vision Gala multiple times and has mobilized ASHA members to participate in Walks to End Alzheimer’s nationwide. Since 2014, ASHA members have helped raise more than $51 million to support research in risk reduction and early detection, and expanded care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.  In recognition of his impact, Schless will receive the Alzheimer’s Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.

Schless holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. Both institutions have recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus.