Michael Leader

June 20, 2023 - Country Meadows President & CEO Michael Leader reflected on his family’s history and achievements. During his 95 years, his father, George M. Leader—founder of Country Meadows wore many different hats: Naval officer, poultry farmer, State Senator, Governor of Pennsylvania, senior care founder and CEO, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was best known as former Governor of Pennsylvania (1955 to 1959), because he was credited with introducing many reforms during his administration. Throughout his life he continued to have an interest in state government. In 2012, he helped to sponsor a major reform to Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system, something for which he had advocated for over a decade. As recently as two months before he passed away, he took part in an initiative by five former governors in support of merit selection of the state’s appellate judges. As governor, his father was especially drawn to serve vulnerable citizens in need of better support. Older adults with healthcare needs were among those who drew his attention. The result was creation of the state Commission on Aging—forerunner of today’s Department of Aging—and annual inspection and tighter regulation of nursing homes. Continuing the Leader family legacy at Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Mr. Leader announced that his niece, Meredith Mills as its new president & CEO. Mills is the granddaughter of former Pennsylvania Governor. Mills moves into this role formerly he held for more than 30 years leading the organization. He will transition into a new position as Executive Chairman. “I have every confidence in handing over our organization’s leadership to my niece”.