Long-serving President and CEO of Baptist Village Communities (BVC), Bill Pierce, was recognized with the inaugural Dr. Bill Pierce Transformation in Aging Award at the 2026 LeadingAge Oklahoma Annual Conference. Pierce has served for 35 years, leading BVC through decades of growth and innovation in senior housing and services.
Pierce was honored by Claire Dowers-Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of LeadingAge Oklahoma, who recognized his extraordinary contributions to senior adult services in Oklahoma and across the nation. She said, “I’ve seen first-hand the impact he’s made, and the way he truly cares for people. It’s a testament to his service and leadership.” Dowers-Nichols noted Pierce’s visionary leadership and guidance and highlighted that Pierce was an intricate part of growing Baptist Village Communities to be ranked among the nation’s top 50 largest not-for-profit multi-site senior living organizations in the LeadingAge Ziegler 200 (LZ 200) ranking and analysis.
Leading Age Oklahoma is the state association of not-for-profit and mission-driven organizations dedicated to establishing the highest standards of excellence for services to the aging, frail, and vulnerable in Oklahoma.
During the award presentation, several of Pierce’s peers and leadership partners shared reflections on his leadership, compassion, and sincerity. Steve Thomas, Senior Vice President of Baptist Village Communities, remarked, “Dr. Pierce instills in us the belief that what we do in aging services matters and can change the world.” Thomas added that Pierce has a unique gift “to see around the corner and prepare for what’s coming ahead.”
Pierce attributes his leadership journey to a calling to serve and emphasized both the challenges and opportunities within a rapidly evolving senior services landscape. “We are all pioneers in senior adult services,” Pierce said. He shared that scripture has anchored his approach throughout his career, citing Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Pierce will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a remarkable chapter of day-to-day executive leadership at Baptist Village Communities. His impact and dedication will continue through his ongoing work with the Bill and Susan Pierce Institute for Transforming Life Expectancies, where he will remain focused on advancing resources, training, and thought leadership that strengthen services for older adults and the professionals who serve them.
About Baptist Village Communities
Baptist Village Communities is Oklahoma’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior housing and services. Since its founding in 1958, Baptist Village Communities has expanded its network of services to include
12 multi-service senior living communities across Oklahoma, personalized home care and medical equipment, and educational resources and training through The Pierce Institute. More information can be found at www.baptistvillage.org.
