Leadership

Tara McGuinness is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience in senior care and services for older adults. As Chief Operating Officer at Institute on Aging (IOA), she oversees a wide range of programs, including home care, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), Companioa, Quality, and the Friendship Line. Known for her operational expertise, Tara has led transformative initiatives across healthcare, driving financial turnarounds, overseeing large-scale capital projects, and pioneering innovative care models. Her leadership focuses on team engagement, strategic growth, and improving care quality to meet the evolving needs of older adults.

Before joining IOA, Tara spent more than two decades in senior leadership roles at HumanGood. In these roles, she spearheaded the strategic development of healthcare services across 18 Life Plan communities, forging partnerships with ACOs, hospitals, and physician groups. A champion of person-centered care, Tara partnered with CMS to develop innovative care models in skilled nursing. With both a bachelor’s and master’s in economics, she brings a strong foundation in financial analysis and healthcare innovation, continuously working to advance sustainable person-centered and adaptable care models.

Tara’s achievements include leading a $100M campus redevelopment project for the Terraces at Los Altos, pioneering new Medicare reimbursement strategies that resulted in substantial revenue growth, and steering communities through accreditation processes with exemplary ratings. A recognized thought leader, she has been active on multiple boards, including LeadingAge California, where she served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Public Policy Committee.