Branches of Marlboro names new executive director. March 18, 2026 The Branches of Marlboro senior assisted living and memory care community has named Julia Hanan as its new executive director. Hanan's new role marks her return to the Waltham-based Benchmark Senior Living system, as she previously worked for seven years at the system's Edgehill and Meadow Ridge locations, both in Connecticut, according to a Tuesday press release from The Branches. "I was over the moon when I was given the opportunity to return in a more senior role," Hanan said in the release. "The Branches of Marlboro is a very special community in many ways and I'm particularly excited to work with Marlboro residents and families and build on the strong culture already in place." Hanan replaces Jessica Sacco, who is now the executive director of Benchmark's Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle community, based in Brighton, wrote Carol Arnold, representative for The Branches of Marlboro, in an email to WBJ. Hanan most recently served as director of programming at Chicago-based senior living provider Senior Lifestyle. Before that, she worked as Edgehill's associate executive director and Meadow Ridge's dining room manager, according to Hanan's LinkedIn profile. "Julia's multi-faceted experience in senior living operations, programming, and dining is a welcome addition to The Branches' award-winning care and experiences," Mike Lord, regional director of operations for Benchmark Senior Living, said in the release. "More importantly, as a former Benchmark associate, she knows and shares in the high standard we aim to provide." She graduated with her bachelor's degree from Connecticut College. Opened in 2019, The Branches of Marlboro includes 58 units and combines assisted living with mind and memory care services. Benchmark offers five care plans depending on an individual's stage of cognitive impairment and needs for daily physical and emotional assistance, according to the organization's website. The Branches of Marlboro includes a restaurant, fitness center, library, hair salon, and outdoor courtyards. Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education industries. - Digital Partners -

Hartford Care appoints Vishul Seewoolall as Chief Operating Officer. Hartford Care has appointed Vishul Seewoolall as Chief Operating Officer, a newly-created role that supports the care home group's continuing growth strategy. With over 20 years' experience in the care industry, Vishul joins Hartford Care from Signature Senior Lifestyle, where he was the Chief Operating Officer and held various director roles throughout his seven years with the company. He previously worked for Bupa as Regional Director of Operations. Vishul will work alongside Chief Financial Officer, Amanda Smith, with a particular focus on Hartford Care's newly built homes in Aldershot, Alton, Southampton and Swindon. Vishul Seewoolall, Hartford Care's new Chief Operating Officer, comments: "It's a very exciting time to join the team at Hartford Care. Even as the company continues to expand at pace, increasing its capabilities and service offering in new locations, it hasn't lost sight of its commitment to a 'home from home' ethos and to building lasting partnerships across its communities. I look forward to being a part of Hartford's ongoing evolution." Kevin Shaw, Chief Executive of Hartford Care, comments: "It's a pleasure to have Vishul on board. With our most recent acquisition of five homes from The Graham Care Group in Kent, we've increased our geographical reach and now have 29 homes across the south of England and Isle of Wight, with over 1,800 bedrooms. Vishul is exceptionally well placed to help us deliver our ongoing, ambitious growth strategy, enabling us to offer high-quality, expert care to existing and future residents."