[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DAVID S. SCHLESS

 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize David 
S. Schless, a strong advocate, leader, and Marylander who has dedicated 
his career to caring for others with a true passion for helping our 
Nation's seniors.
  Mr. Schless discovered his interests in gerontology and related 
policy at an early age and earned his bachelor of science degree from 
the Center for Aging and Human Development at the University of 
Connecticut. He then went on to earn a master of science degree from 
the Department of Applied Gerontology/Center for Studies in Aging at 
the University of North Texas.
  Mr. Schless has been president and chief executive officer of the 
American Seniors Housing Association, ASHA, since its inception in 
1991. He has tirelessly pursued a comprehensive approach to senior 
living and care. He helped launch the senior housing industry's first-
ever consumer education initiative ``Where You Live Matters,'' which 
supports seniors and their families in identifying ideal housing and 
care options. Under Mr. Schless' leadership, ASHA membership has grown 
to over 500 owners, operators, and developers of senior living and 
their support providers.
  A devoted philanthropist, Mr. Schless has led ASHA in the fight 
against Alzheimer's disease. Since 2014, ASHA has worked to support 
expanded care and support for those affected by Alzheimer's and other 
dementias, along with research in risk reduction and early detection.
  Mr. Schless resides in Rockville, MD, with his wife Sue Schless and 
their two children Ethan and MacKenzie. He is a member of the advisory 
board of the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures and the Granger Cobb 
Institute for Senior Living at Washington State University. Mr. Schless 
is also a member of the advisory council of the Vision Centre, which 
seeks to grow academic programming focused on senior living leadership.
  I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Schless' 
incomparable efforts to secure accessible, affordable, and diverse 
housing options for our seniors, an end to Alzheimer's, and a stronger 
future for all Americans.

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