Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community names Donald Lilly as new President & CEO

Following a months-long nationwide search, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community has announced its incoming Chief Executive Officer, Donald Lilly.

Lilly most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for The Woodlands at Furman, a nonprofit Life Plan Retirement Community in Greenville, SC.

“Still Hopes is a community with an extraordinary legacy of compassion, excellence, and service, and to be entrusted with its leadership as the next President and CEO is both an honor and a profound responsibility,” Lilly said.

The selection comes as longtime CEO Danny Sanford prepares for retirement in January after 25 years leading Still Hopes and a long career in senior living. The transition arrives at an important time for the organization and for the Midlands region, as the rapid influx of older adults to central South Carolina presents both opportunity and challenge.

“Still Hopes has only begun to live into the mission and vision of its founder, Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard. The addition of Donald Lilly to this team of dedicated leaders sets the stage for a strong future for this ministry organization,” the announcement stated.

Still Hopes celebrated its 50th anniversary in May. It is home to approximately 500 Midlands seniors, employs nearly 700 staff members, and provides community services including home care and an adult day respite program.

The organization has also purchased the former Lexington 2 School District Building on 9th Street in West Columbia and is developing a new middle-market senior living community, Brookland Commons, slated to open in 2028.

“I am excited by the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation that already exists at Still Hopes and elevate expectations around what retirement can be,” Lilly said.

For more information about Still Hopes and its mission to provide senior living to older adults, visit stillhopes.org.