From Baltimore Sun - LifeSpan Network, a Columbia-based association of senior care providers in the Mid-Atlantic, has named Kevin Heffner to succeed Isabella Firth as its president and CEO, effective March 27.

Firth has served as LifeSpan's top executive for 23 years.

Heffner is currently director of external relations at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's Erickson School, which specializes in educating students in services for the aging. He's been at UMBC for 10 years, and before that, served as executive director of The Beach Institute, LifeSpan's educational affiliate.

"Kevin has a great background in senior care, and I know he'll do a great job continuing LifeSpan's success," Firth said.

At LifeSpan, he will be responsible for management and oversight of the organization's services and programs, as well as its overall vision.

"I'm thrilled to be back," Heffner said. "LifeSpan is on the cutting edge of care, and I can't wait to be a part of it again."

LifeSpan, affiliated at the national level with Argentum, represents more than 300 senior care providers in Maryland and the District of Columbia that provide care and services to more than 45,000 seniors. It represents assisted-living centers, nursing homes, continuing-care retirement communities, subsidized senior housing facilities and other programs.