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ABOUT US

More than a community — a legacy of service and care.

Founded and operated by the Army Distaff Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1959, Knollwood Life Plan Community was built on a mission of compassion and commitment to those who have served our nation. What began as a visionary effort by military families, supported by President Dwight D. and Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower, has grown into a vibrant, intergenerational community that continues to honor its founding promise — to provide security, dignity, and lifelong support for every resident.

Nestled beside Rock Creek Park in Upper Chevy Chase, Knollwood offers a safe, scenic, and engaging environment just minutes from Washington, D.C.’s finest cultural and healthcare institutions. Our residents enjoy a balance of independence and connection, supported by innovative wellness programs, award-winning care, and cutting-edge technology designed to enrich every stage of life.

Through our Financial Assistance Fund, sustained by generous donors, residents who face financial hardship can remain in their homes with full access to care and community. At Knollwood, we don’t just build a place to live — we preserve a legacy of service, compassion, and belonging that continues to thrive today.

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Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Provide a compassionate community with exceptional wellness care and purposeful living for older adults who served our nation.

Our Vision

To be a national leader in developing and implementing an innovative health and wellness experience for older adults, inspiring our residents and other communities by excellent example.
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Our Guiding Principles

I

Integrity

C

Community

A

Accountability

R

Respect

E

Excellence

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Senior Leadership Team

MG Timothy P. McHale, USA (Ret.)

President and CEO

James Michels

Vice President of Operations, Development & Institutional Advancement

Gladstone James

Chief Financial Officer
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Dennis Olayini

Healthcare Adminstrator

Ike Relacion

Director of People and Culture

Martha McLean

Director of Nursing

Beverly Morgan

Sales and Marketing Director

Board of Directors

GENERAL JOHN M. KEANE, USA (RET.)

Chairman of the Board 

MG ANTHONY C. FUNKHOUSER, PE, USA (RET.)

Board Member 
Vice President, Army Client Account Director, AECOM 

COL ELIZABETH COWLES HARRELL, MSN, RNC, USAF (RET.)

Board Member Infection Preventionist/Consultant, Mercy Ships 

JULIE BUTLER

Board Member Vice President, Children's Hospital Foundation 

DAVID L. CUSANO, J.D.

Board Member 
CMS Coverage, Payment & Equity Department, and Health FFRDC Manager, MITRE Corporation

LOIS N. CALLAHAN

Board Member 
President, Knollwood Resident Association

MARY ANNE HILLIARD, ESQ., R.N., FAAN

Board Member 
Chief Legal Officer, Children's National

MATTHEW LAWLOR

Board Member 
Founder and Chairman, CECA Foundation

MG TIMOTHY MCHALE, USA (RET.)

Board Member 
CEO, Knollwood Life Plan Community

LANI INGRAM

Board Member President & COO, Eclipz

L TG THOMAS A. HORLANDER, USA (RET.)

Board Member

JOHN MONTGOMERY

Board Member 
Founder, Montgomery Brothers, Inc.

Knollwood Milestones

1962

Knollwood Founded

Knollwood opens its doors – with a mission to serve retired military officers and families grounded in service and community

1998

Assisted Living Expansion

A majot expansion adds dedicated assisted living residences and amenities to support changing needs.

Fitness Center

2015

Wellness center & programs

New fitness studio, pool updates and evidence based wellness programming for nalize Knollwood’s preventative care approach.

2024

Campus enhancements 

Public spaces refreshed to elevate daily life. Dining, bistro, and outdoor gathering areas.

2025-2026

A great place to work.

Knollwood recognized as a great place to work.

Corporate Partners

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