Chuck and Karen Lytle founded Lytle Enterprises and Leisure Care in 1976 and successfully led both companies for more than three decades. Leisure Care, the entity responsible for the day-to-day on-site management, was sold in 2003 to the Lytles’ CEO, Dan Madsen, and today the two companies retain a strong operational partnership. The Lytles maintain ownership of Lytle Enterprises and all real estate holdings, and Leisure Care continues to provide on-site management of the Lytle-owned assets.

Charles S. Lytle, President

Actively involved in the retirement industry since 1967, Chuck has managed, acquired and developed more than $1.5 billion in health care and retirement housing. His visionary approach and entrepreneurial style guided both Lytle Enterprises and Leisure Care from modest beginnings to two of the most successful and respected firms in the industry.

Chuck has served on the boards of senior housing organizations, community hospitals and health maintenance organizations nationwide, in addition to being a board member of PayLess Drug Stores. Local positions have included chairman of Swedish Medical Center Foundation, president of Washington State Special Olympics, vice chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for United Way, and vice president of PONCHO, an organization created in 1963 to enrich the quality of life in the Puget Sound region by supporting the arts. At present, Chuck sits on the Swedish Medical Center Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, the Board of Governors for Swedish Medical Center Foundation and serves on the Foundation’s Campaign Leadership Council. He is chairman of the Swedish Cancer Advisory Council at Swedish Medical Center and board member of the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research. Chuck is co-chair of the $160 Million Campaign for PACE (Performing Arts Center Eastside), director on the PACE Board and member of the PACE Executive Committee.

Before founding Lytle Enterprises and Leisure Care, Chuck’s experience in senior housing included construction management and managing the medical real estate division of SAFECO Insurance, Inc.

Karen E. Lytle, Chairman

Karen joined Leisure Care in 1981 as vice president of the Retirement Community Division. With her tenacious management style and skilled leadership she spearheaded impressive growth and was directly responsible for dramatic operational improvements and resident satisfaction increases. She went on to become executive vice president, and in 1997 was named president and COO of the company. Karen was promoted to chairman in 1998.

Committed to giving back to the community, Karen has served on numerous boards and organizations throughout the Puget Sound area. From 1995 to 2008, she was president of Seniors Making Art, a nonprofit organization founded by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, and continues to serve on its Board Executive Committee. Karen is co-chair of the $160 Million Campaign for PACE, director on the PACE Board and member of the PACE Executive Committee. Karen is a member of the Swedish Medical Center Campaign Leadership Council and Washington Women’s Foundation. She also served on the Pacific Northwest Ballet Advisory Board and is past state treasurer for Washington State PTSA and served as chair of Corporate Concerns. Karen was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the most influential women in Washington state with the Women of Influence Award in 2005.

Before joining Lytle Enterprises and Leisure Care, Karen spent her early career in banking. In addition, she was director of a local Chamber of Commerce and founded a federation of Chambers of Commerce in the Seattle area. She was also president of the Northshore Community Association.