Edgewood Summit Names George "Andy" Barker as New Executive Director

Since opening its doors in 1995, Edgewood Summit has helped hundreds of senior living community residents enjoy the retirement they’ve planned and worked so hard for. Over the past three decades, Executive Director Diane Gouhin has led Edgewood Summit as the only true Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Kanawha County. She has personally met every resident, hired each employee, and overseen the community's growth to positively impact the lives of seniors and their families. In December 2024, she will retire, allowing a new generation to lead the community into the future, continuing the legacy that so many Charleston seniors have come to expect when they hear the name “Edgewood Summit.”

“This is a bittersweet moment in my career, but I couldn’t be prouder of the impact I’ve been able to make and, more importantly, the influence these seniors have had on my life,” said Gouhin. “It’s been my privilege to serve as Executive Director for three decades, and it is with great pleasure to pass the baton to George “Andy” Barker. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Edgewood Summit.”

As Executive Director, Barker will oversee the community operations, regulatory compliance, and resident and associate relations. Barker is no stranger to the senior living community. He has served as an administrator for 11 years and was responsible for launching and opening The Arthur B. Hodges Center, which provides memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. A veteran of the industry, Barker has held senior living leadership positions across the state and has also worked for the West Virginia State Senate.

“I know I have big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to continue working with Edgewood Summit residents and their families and carry on Diane’s legacy,” said Barker. “The community is dedicated to creating remarkable experiences every day for our residents, and it’s an honor to lead these efforts to help foster an engaging and thriving community culture.”

Barker holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in health care administration from Marshall University. He has served on several boards and commissions, including the Kanawha County Building Commission, the West Virginia Medicine Thomas Health Systems Board of Directors and the West Virginia Health Care Association, where he was president. He was also recognized as West Virginia State Journal’s “40 Under 40.”

About Edgewood Summit

Edgewood Summit, located at 300 Baker Lane in Charleston, WV, is one of only four Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) in the state and the only true CCRC in Kanawha Valley. It offers the complete spectrum of senior services, including residential living, assisted living at The Ridgemont, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Arthur B. Hodges Center. Residents enjoy a wide range of services and amenities on the 37-acre campus, including restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, a salon and spa, an art studio and housekeeping. For more information about Edgewood Summit, call 304-346-2323 or visit EdgewoodSummit.com.