David S. Schless

David S. Schless has served as president and CEO of the American Seniors Housing Association since its founding in 1991. ASHA represents senior executives from the nation’s leading developers, owners, operators, and financiers in the $327 billion seniors housing industry.

Under David’s leadership, ASHA has become an authoritative voice promoting high-quality housing and services for older adults so that they can live with dignity in the setting of their choice. ASHA fulfills this mission through legislative and regulatory advocacy as well as a robust research program.

With more than three decades of experience in the field, David has contributed to more than 100 research studies on seniors housing. He spearheaded the launch of the industry’s first consumer education initiative, “Where You Live Matters,” which offers seniors and their families valuable housing and care insights.

David is 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 co-authored the HDR Affordable Seniors Housing Handbook, which was revised and published ten times between 1995 and 2005 by Thomson West.

In addition to his industry leadership, David was appointed to the CARF International Advisory Council in 2022. He holds advisory roles at the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures and The Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living at Washington State University.

David is also active in charitable pursuits. He has co-chaired the Alzheimer’s Association’s Vision Gala multiple times and has recruited members of ASHA’s extensive network to participate in numerous Walks to End Alzheimer’s. Thanks to these efforts, David has helped raise close to $60 million to fund research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

David holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. Both UConn and UNT have honored David as a Distinguished Alumnus.