Group names executive director of senior living community

SARASOTA — Watercrest Senior Living Group named Collin Baranick executive director of Watercrest Sarasota Senior Living Community in Sarasota.

Watercrest Sarasota is a 198-unit, luxury senior living campus under construction. It is scheduled to welcome residents in late summer, according to a press release. 

Baranick entered the senior living industry in 2010 as care manager on the nursing floor of a large senior living provider. Baranick then transitioned to a wellness director role, the release adds, where he worked to improve community culture, staff training and quality assurance.

Baranick most recently led the opening of two senior living communities from ground up in South Carolina and Florida, helping to oversee construction phasing, associate staffing and coordination necessary for a smooth grand opening for residents and staff, the release states. 

"Collin is a valuable asset to our team, not only as an intelligent and tenacious self-starter, but also in the kind and genuine way in which he cares for seniors," says Whitney Lane, Watercrest's senior vice president of operations, in a statement. 

Watercrest Sarasota is at 4100 University Parkway. It will have 72 independent living, 94 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments. It will have a promenade, fireplace, water wall, multiple dining options, pool, salon, spa, grand balconies and outdoor living spaces. 

"It's invigorating to build a team and instill a positive, team-centered culture here at Watercrest, where all associates are challenged to bring value and collaboration to fulfill the company's vision and goals," says Baranick in the statement. "We look forward to welcoming residents to our brand-new community as they build relationships and take ownership of their new home while experiencing the best of the best here at Watercrest Sarasota."

Watercrest Sarasota is the second senior living development project partnership between Watercrest and United Properties. The first project, Watercrest Naples Assisted Living and Memory Care, welcomed its founding residents earlier this year.

United Properties was founded in 1916. The Minneapolis-based firm has developed nearly 200 projects totaling more than 20 million square feet and nearly $1 billion over the last 30 years, including 17 senior housing communities in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver and Naples markets, with five more under development.