Gary Handley

Gary Handley most recently served as the Executive Director for the Palms of Fort Myers. As Director, Gary was responsible for all facets of operating this leading retirement community. He has over 20 years of experience leading healthcare organizations. He is driven by a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others through his commitment to successful aging. Prior to coming to Falcons Landing, Gary served in various roles, ranging from serving as the Managing Director for a private nursing home in southern Sweden to serving as the Executive Director for one of southwest Florida’s premier Life Plan (CCRC) Communities. Gary retired from military service as a Major in 2000, after 21 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and United States Army National Guard. During his career, he served in multiple leadership, and operational positions. He served as a full-time military technician, as the Budget Officer and Financial Manager for the United States Property and Fiscal Office of New Hampshire. He also served on active duty as a Training Officer for the 197th Field Artillery Brigade and as Executive Officer for the United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Wildcat Battalion at the University of New Hampshire. He was awarded his Fellowship of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) in 2019. He also holds the designation as a Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) by the Senior Living Certification Commission, and as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. A native of Manchester, NH, Gary completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Norwich University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.