Aging Well: News & Insights for Seniors and Caregivers
- Muge Gorgulu named executive operations officer at Queenstown Landing, bringing nearly three decades of caregiving and leadership experience.
- Native of Istanbul, former professional volleyball player with Balkan and European championships; attended UMBC on athletic scholarship.
- Began career supporting teenagers with emotional disabilities and in mental health, later discovering a deep passion for senior living.
- Championed honoring older adults' life stories, preserving dignity, and providing personalized long-term, memory, and assisted living care.
- People-first hands-on leadership empowers team members, ensures regulatory excellence, strengthens family atmosphere, and fosters joyful resident engagement.
New EOO Muge Gorgulu Brings a People-First Approach to Queenstown Landing
QUEENSTOWN, Maryland – Muge Gorgulu’s journey to leading Queenstown Landing has taken her from championship volleyball courts across Europe to senior living communities where compassion and connection guide her work every day.
Recently named executive operations officer at Queenstown Landing, Gorgulu brings nearly three decades of experience in caregiving and leadership, along with a deeply personal commitment to improving the lives of older adults.
“In a short time, Muge has made a lasting impact at Queenstown Landing,” said Melissa Stewart, Area General Manager at IntegraCare, which operates the senior living community in Queen Anne’s County. “Her passion for serving seniors is evident, and her people-first leadership style has strengthened our team and enhanced the warm, family atmosphere our residents cherish. We are fortunate to have her leading our community.”
A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Gorgulu competed as a professional volleyball player throughout Europe, winning Balkan and European championships while traveling extensively. She spent two years playing in London before moving to the United States nearly 30 years ago on an athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
After completing her studies, Gorgulu began her professional career supporting teenagers with emotional disabilities and in mental health settings. Eventually, she discovered what she describes as her true passion in senior living.
Over the years, she has served in long-term care, memory care and assisted living communities, experiences that have reinforced her belief in the importance of honoring older adults and their life experiences.
“Caring for seniors has always been my greatest passion,” Gorgulu said. “Improving their lives is deeply meaningful to me because it’s about honoring their rich life stories, preserving their dignity and ensuring they feel valued, respected and truly at home in their later years.”
At Queenstown Landing, Gorgulu sees a community that embodies those values. Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Queenstown Landing is known for its welcoming atmosphere and close-knit environment where residents are treated like family.
Gorgulu said Queenstown Landing stands out because of the strong relationships among residents, families and team members, as well as its focus on creating an atmosphere where seniors feel at home.
“What makes us special is our genuine commitment to personalized care, meaningful engagement and creating joyful moments every day,” she said. “Our dedicated team works closely with residents and families to honor individuals’ preferences, traditions and life stories while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.”
As executive operations officer, Gorgulu’s leadership philosophy centers on one guiding principle: people first.
She believes in hands-on, supportive leadership that empowers team members, recognizes their contributions and keeps residents at the center of every decision.
“I focus on building strong relationships, maintaining open communication, ensuring regulatory excellence and fostering a culture of compassion, respect and continuous improvement,” Gorgulu said.
For Gorgulu, leadership is ultimately about creating an environment where residents feel at home, families feel supported and team members feel appreciated. It’s a philosophy she plans to continue bringing to Queenstown Landing each day.
That people-first approach has already made an impression throughout the community, where residents and team members say her leadership has brought renewed energy and strengthened the family atmosphere that defines Queenstown Landing.
“Since Muge became our executive operations officer, there has been an incredible sense of energy and positivity throughout Queenstown Landing,” said Jay Hurley, Community Relations Director.
“She leads by example, takes the time to know residents and team members personally, and consistently puts people first,” he said. “Her compassion, approachability and dedication to excellence have already made a meaningful difference in our community.”
For more information, contact Jay Hurley, Community Relations Director, Queenstown Landing, at [email protected] or call 412.926.2329.
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