At Piper Shores, strong, mission-driven leadership ensures that we continue to grow with care and purpose. As of this October, Adrian Kurre—Vice Chair of the Board for the past two years—has officially stepped into the role of Chair, bringing more than 40 years of experience in hospitality and a deep commitment to advancing our community’s vision.
From Humble Beginnings to Maine’s Coast
Adrian was born and raised in Milaca, Minnesota—a quaint town nestled near the scenic Mille Lacs Lake. Growing up surrounded by nature and community spirit, he learned the value of hard work and connection early, selling fishing bait to weekend anglers to earn his first spending money.
Though he initially pursued architecture, Adrian found himself drawn to more people-centered work. What began as a local bartending job became the launchpad for a decades-long career in hospitality. Immersed in an environment where authentic service and connection were paramount, he rose through the ranks—from tending bar to helping launch the Hilton Garden Inn brand and ultimately leading large teams across the Hilton portfolio.
Today, Adrian lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, where he enjoys spending time with his family and sharing his love of fishing with his twin boys.
“Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood”
Adrian’s extensive career in hospitality has shaped his core leadership philosophy: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” He believes that many of today’s challenges arise from a lack of true listening before forming opinions. Whether managing guest services across hundreds of hotel properties or engaging with residents and staff at Piper Shores, Adrian views genuine understanding as the foundation of thoughtful decision-making. In the boardroom, this means first taking the time to understand the needs, goals, and perspectives of both current and future residents—as well as team members—before shaping any strategic plans.
His experience leading diverse teams has taught him that each person’s needs are unique—just as each Piper Shores resident brings their own story and preferences. This personalized, people-first mindset will guide how Adrian leads the Board in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead with Strategic Vision and Innovation
As Chair, Adrian is excited to focus on Piper Shores’ strategic growth beyond the successful opening of The Meadows campus.
A self-described futurist at heart, Adrian is passionate about leveraging hard trends—inevitable and inarguable shifts shaping the future—to guide proactive strategy. Kurre aims to “put in innovative programs that will take care of both the residents that we have there today and, understanding these hard trends, the residents that will be coming to us in the future.”
One trend he’s especially focused on is artificial intelligence. Far from replacing human connection, he sees AI as a tool to enhance staff efficiency and free up time for deeper, more meaningful interactions with residents—preserving the relationships that define the Piper Shores experience.
Giving Back Through Service
Adrian’s journey to the Board began with a simple invitation from a friend and former board member—an introduction that quickly became a personal calling.
“I reflected on what I wanted in retirement and realized I wanted to give back to the community. I appreciate the nonprofit mission of Piper Shores, which aligns well with my background in hospitality. It felt like a perfect fit as I transition into this next chapter.”
For Adrian, serving on the board is a natural extension of his retirement goals: to give back, foster community, and support an organization that values care, respect, and innovation.
Beyond the Boardroom
When he’s not supporting Piper Shores, Adrian stays active through a strong personal commitment to health and wellness. He holds certifications as a general personal trainer and a senior fitness specialist—not to train others, but to deepen his understanding of fitness science for his own well-being. He applies this knowledge to his daily life and to better understand the wellness needs of older adults.
This journey led him to embrace “the law of individual differences,” which holds that every person is unique due to their genetics and life experiences. This perspective continues to shape how he thinks about supporting the diverse needs of the Piper Shores community.
An avid runner, Adrian has completed four marathons—including one in Antarctica. His passion for lifelong wellness aligns closely with Piper Shores’ focus on healthy aging and quality of life.
As Adrian Kurre begins to lead Piper Shores as Chair, we are confident that his experience, thoughtful leadership, and forward-looking vision will guide our community into a future that honors our past, enriches the lives of today’s residents, and anticipates the needs of generations to come.