President and Chief Operating Officer, Merrill Gardens, LLC
Bill Pettit is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the R. D. Merrill Co. and Merrill Gardens. Pettit joined Merrill Gardens in 1992 after 18 years in the banking industry. He was instrumental in the formation of the company, starting with one community in 1993. He directed the rapid growth and timely execution of acquisitions, and developed the policies that speak to the Merrill Gardens commitment to quality.
Under Pettit’s leadership, the Better Business Bureau named Merrill Gardens the Business of the Year for the company’s commitment to residents, team members and community service. The Family Business Institute named Merrill Gardens a Washington State Family Business of the Year three times in the past ten years. The company was chosen based on innovative business strategies, company performance, and contributions to the community. Merrill Gardens received a Finalist Award in the American Business Awards in the Innovative Business Practices category.
Pettit received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton in 1971 and a M.B.A. from the University of Oregon in 1973.
Pettit is the Chairman of the Executive Board of the American Seniors Housing Association.
