U.S. Navy to Senior Living: A Veteran’s Unconventional Career Pivot

Published: February 27, 2025

After 22 years in the United States Navy, Laura Sabo was ready for her next mission. Like many transitioning service members, she faced the uncertainty of finding a civilian career that matched her leadership experience and sense of purpose.

 

But when she discovered the Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge program, which connects veterans with industry training opportunities, she saw an unexpected path forward—one that would lead her to the senior living industry and a new way to serve.

 

The DOD SkillBridge initiative is designed to help military service members transition into civilian careers by providing industry-specific training, apprenticeships, and internships during their final 180 days of service. The program is mutually beneficial: service members gain hands-on experience in new fields, while companies gain access to highly trained, disciplined leaders. For Sabo, it was more than a career move—it was an awakening.


"The program gave me the opportunity to apply my leadership and discipline in a completely new environment while also discovering a deep sense of purpose in senior living," Sabo said.

 

A Fresh Set of Eyes on Senior Living

 

From October 2024 to January 2025, Sabo worked across multiple senior living communities under SRI Management’s umbrella, learning the complexities of an industry operating at the intersection of hospitality, healthcare, and business. She trained in resident care, operations, staffing, and engagement, obtaining her MedTech license and CPR certification along the way.

 

Her time in the field revealed something surprising: she felt at home.

 

"I love the senior living industry," Sabo said. "It’s fulfilling to connect with residents. The engagement in the communities is overwhelmingly heartfelt—you can truly feel the love."

 

Sabo’s passion was evident. She accepted a Director of Activities role at The Canopy at Duval Station in Jacksonville, Fla., demonstrating her commitment to SRI Management while waiting for an Executive Director position to become available within the company.

 

"We need people from outside the industry to help us get better," said Don Bishop, CEO of SRI Management. "Having a fresh set of eyes come in and see things differently can only help us improve. Laura’s leadership experience and perspective will make us better."

 

From Military Leadership to Resident Care

 

The transition from military officer to senior living leader is not an obvious one. The senior living sector, often associated with hospitality and caregiving, does not seem like a natural extension of military service. Yet, for veterans accustomed to leading teams, making high-stakes decisions, and fostering camaraderie in challenging environments, the skills transfer seamlessly.

 

"Resident care was where I realized I could make the most difference," Sabo reflected. "In the military, leadership is about people—empowering them, guiding them, being there for them. In senior living, it's the same. The residents, the staff—it’s a team, a mission, a family."

 

Sabo’s insights were at the heart of a presentation she delivered earlier this month, where she outlined her experiences from the SkillBridge internship. She spoke about the challenges of transitioning from a structured military command to the more nuanced leadership style required in senior living.


She also shared recommendations for future participants—how veterans could prepare for a field where emotional intelligence and personal connections are as critical as operational efficiency.

 

Bridging Two Worlds

 

SRI Management’s acceptance into the DOD SkillBridge program followed a rigorous two-year application process. The initiative reflects SRI Management's broader strategy to bring diverse leadership into senior living, an industry that is facing an increasing need for dynamic, service-driven leaders as the aging population grows.


"Being accepted into the DOD SkillBridge program is a tremendous honor and a testament to our commitment to bringing service-driven leadership into senior living," SRI Management Chief Operations Officer Shelley Kaiser said. "As the need for dynamic leaders continues to rise, we are proud to create meaningful pathways for those who have served our country to make a lasting impact in senior living."


SRI Management President Todd Filippone echoed those statements: "The DOD SkillBridge program aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of senior living—one that thrives on strong leadership, dedication, and a commitment to service. We are honored to be part of this program and excited to welcome these talented individuals into the SRI Management family."


For installation and unit commanders in the military, SkillBridge provides a structured pathway for service members to transition into meaningful civilian careers. Participants continue receiving full military compensation and benefits, allowing them to train without financial risk. Industry partners, in turn, gain access to an exceptionally disciplined and motivated workforce.



For Sabo, the journey is just beginning.

 

"This isn’t just a job for me," she said. "It’s a calling. The military gave me the skills to lead, and senior living is giving me the chance to serve in a whole new way."

 

Her decision to stay with SRI Management underscores her commitment not just to a company, but to a mission—one that, much like her military career, is rooted in service, leadership, and heart.

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