J. Mark Vanderbeck

Acts Retirement-Life Communities CEO J. Mark Vanderbeck died unexpectedly on Wednesday, the West Point, PA-based company announced Thursday.

“Mark was a beloved figure and an outstanding leader at Acts who touched the lives of many residents and staff members,” John L. Esterhai Jr., M.D., chairman of the company’s board, said in a statement. “He will be missed dearly by the entire Acts family.”

Vanderbeck’s career in senior living services spanned more than 35 years, including almost 20 years with the Acts organization. He joined Acts in 1998 and progressed through operational leadership roles, becoming CEO in August 2014.

Over the course of his career, he served on various boards and committees for LeadingAge and state affiliates LeadingAge PA and LeadingAge Florida. He also actively volunteered with many local organizations that provide social and outreach services, including serving as a board member for Family Services of Montgomery County in Pennsylvania.

Vanderbeck graduated from Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA, in 1977 with a degree in business administration, and completed post-graduate studies in healthcare administration at the University of South Florida.

Acts was third on the 2016 LeadingAge Ziegler 150 list of largest not-for-profit multi-site senior living organizations. The Acts Board of Directors has appointed current President and Chief Operating Officer Gerald T. Grant as interim CEO.