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Today, we are kicking off our "5 Questions With" series, featuring the impressive list of industry leaders on Sage's 2026 Client Advisory Board.
First up is Sue Coppola, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services, at Sabra Health Care REIT.
1. What first got you into the senior care space?
I first entered the senior care space 40 years ago, working nights as an aide while attending nursing school. At the time, I honestly believed I would never return to the field. But twenty years later—after serving as an ICU/ER nurse, a hospital executive, and a healthcare consulting manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers—I realized something important: senior care desperately needed strong, experienced leaders who could elevate both quality of care and business performance. That realization brought me back with purpose, and I accepted my first Chief Clinical Officer role. It was the best professional decision I ever made.
2. What do you see as the biggest challenges in the industry today?
Senior care is serving an older, frailer population with increasingly complex needs. Meeting those needs requires a holistic approach—supporting the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that organizations must choose between hospitality and care. The truth is, the industry must excel at both. We need to deliver coordinated, high‑quality care while also creating an engaging, supportive environment with exceptional customer service. These elements are not mutually exclusive; they are interdependent, and the future of the sector depends on our ability to balance them.
3. What’s the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned and would want to share?
Listening is essential, but the most powerful leadership lesson I’ve learned is knowing when to push forward and when to step back. Kenny Rogers said it best: “Know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.” That wisdom has guided me in prioritizing what truly matters, choosing battles wisely, and staying focused on the outcomes that make the greatest impact.
4. What do you think the industry needs to do better over the next decade?
We must dramatically improve technology interoperability to simplify operations and care delivery. With an aging workforce, a shrinking labor pool, and a rapidly growing population of older adults who expect a different experience than previous generations, we cannot rely on fragmented systems and manual processes.
The industry needs to streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, and create environments where teams can spend less time managing systems and more time doing what they love—building meaningful relationships and providing exceptional care.
5. What gives you the most optimism about the future of senior care?
The people. Those who choose to work in senior care are deeply committed, compassionate, and driven to make a difference. Their dedication gives me tremendous confidence in the future of the industry. With the right tools, leadership, and support, this workforce will continue to elevate the standard of care for generations to come.
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Note: The opinions expressed here are that of the individual and do not reflect the official policy or positions of their organization.
