Ralph Gaines is the Chief Executive Officer of Embrace Living Communities. He is responsible for creating and implementing the organization’s vision and direction, and responsible for creating, planning and integrating the organization’s strategic growth initiatives. He oversees overall operations and is responsible for directing management activities at our 34 living communities in Illinois, Florida and Missouri that are homes to more than 3,000 residents.

Over his 30-year career, Ralph has been committed to ensuring that people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can enjoy a healthier, more active life. He shares his enthusiasm for wellness and compassion for others with Embrace Living Communities’ 150 employees.

Ralph has expertise in business strategy, property management, health and social service program development and safety and regulatory matters related to subsidized and affordable housing.

Before joining Embrace Living Communities, Ralph served as the Chief Operations Officer for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where he was responsible for bringing business solutions to the department’s strategic planning initiatives and bridging public and private investment to build sustainable communities of opportunity and social awareness. He also served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Community Planning and Development.

He holds a Master in Business Administration from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Denison University. He is a native to the Chicago area. He is married to his wife of 18 years, Colby, and has two daughters, Madison and Caroline.