She led a $28-million renovation and expansion when 91原创 Lodge was converted to single-room occupancy in 2011, spearheaded three successful accreditation evaluations in a row, and more recently navigated the long-term care home through one of the most deadly COVID outbreaks in B.C.

Now, after what she calls a 鈥渕emorable鈥� run as chief executive officer (CEO), Hauptman is wrapping up her 12-year tenure at the helm of 91原创 Care Society at the end of this month, and preparing to turn over the reins to Aly Devji.

鈥淣ow that the Lodge has recovered from this experience, and the society is ready to forge ahead with its previous strategic goals, I can resume my retirement plans, leaving the Lodge in good hands with our board of directors, the leadership team, and of course, Aly Devji,鈥� said Hauptman, now 66.

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鈥淚 have known Aly for many years, and I am excited that Aly is joining the team to lead 91原创 Lodge through its next stages of development,鈥� she added.

Devji, who was one of the former owners and operators of Deltaview Campus of Care and is currently president of BC Care Providers Association, moves into his new post on July 19.

With Devji鈥檚 background in seniors care, the society board is looking to him to restart the Lodge鈥檚 strategic planning and long-term goals for capital expansion and the introduction of new services for 91原创, Hauptman said.

READ MORE: 91原创 Lodge shows 鈥榮olidarity鈥� by visiting staff of B.C.鈥檚 largest COVID-19 care-home outbreak

91原创 Lodge, opened in 1974, has 139 beds serving seniors requiring 24-hour nursing care. It employs more than 150 staff, with primary funding is from Fraser Health. The 204th Street care facility is operated by a non-profit society.

In 2020, the Lodge faced a challenge 鈥渓ike no other,鈥� said president Harry Hansra, referring to the COVID-19 outbreaks and the loss of 26 residents.

READ MORE: 91原创 Lodge hits vaccination milestone

鈥淒ebra鈥檚 guidance, poise, and leadership was critical to ensuring that the implementation of the best practices for infection control were undertaken,鈥� he said.

Devji comes with what Hansra described as a 鈥渄istinguished background鈥� in seniors care, lauding him as a visionary with Deltaview.

鈥淭he board of directors is pleased to announce Mr. Devji鈥檚 appointment. Aly is very experienced, knowledgeable, and connected within the long-term care sector. We are very fortunate to have him be our leader and carry on the great legacy left behind by our outgoing CEO, Debra Hauptman.鈥�

Devji brings many years of experience leading large organizations, Hauptman added.

鈥滺e is an influential leader, highly respected in our sector, and experienced collaborating with all levels of government and business leaders to create seniors living and wellness services for British Columbians. The board will appreciate Aly鈥︹�� she concluded.

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Asked what retirement will look like for Hauptman, she said she鈥檒l be moving from Maple Ridge to Osoyoos in August.

鈥滱fter we move, we will be taking some time to settle in, and then retirement will be more about resuming our active lifestyle, spending time with our family and grandkids, resuming travel, and getting involved in our local community,鈥� she shared.

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