Executive Team
Innovation is the foundation of everything we do. We’re always looking for ways to set ourselves apart.
Charles S. Lytle, Chairman
In a career spanning five decades, Chuck has managed, acquired, and developed more than $1.5 billion in healthcare and retirement properties. His vision has guided Lytle Enterprises from modest beginnings to one of the most successful and respected firms in the industry.
Chuck has served on the boards of senior housing organizations, community hospitals and health maintenance organizations nationwide, as well as serving on several boards supporting the arts. Currently, Chuck serves on the Swedish Health Services Board of Trustees and Board of Governors for Swedish Foundation. He is past chair of the Cancer Advisory Council at Swedish Medical Center and former board member of the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research.
In addition to past service on the board of Payless Drug, Chuck was president of Washington State Special Olympics, vice chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for United Way of King County, and vice president of PONCHO, a Seattle-area arts organization.
Karen E. Lytle, Chairman
Karen joined Lytle Enterprises in 1981, overseeing company operations and was promoted to chairman in 1998. Under her leadership, the company experienced impressive growth, operational excellence, and significant senior resident satisfaction.
Committed to giving back to the community, Karen has served on numerous boards and organizations throughout the Puget Sound area. From 1995 to 2008, Karen was president of Seniors Making Art, a nonprofit organization founded by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. She also sat on that organization’s executive committee until 2013. Other community activities have included membership in the Washington Women’s Foundation, serving on the Pacific Northwest Ballet Advisory Board, state treasurer for Washington State PTSA, and serving as chair for Corporate Concerns.
In 2005, Karen was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the most influential women in Washington State, and together with the PSBJ, Lytle Enterprises established the Women of Influence Scholarship Fund in 2006.
Jill Ashton, President
Jill’s career at Lytle Enterprise has spanned two decades and included positions in management, real estate and finance.
In 2007 she was promoted to senior vice president, where her responsibilities include finance, investments, strategic portfolio management and lender relations. Jill was promoted to President in 2022.
Jill is a member of the board of directors of Treehouse, a nonprofit organization that serves foster youth in King County, Washington. Jill is also a board member of the Whitworth University School of Business Advisory Board.
Jill holds a BA in mathematics and education from Whitworth University and an MBA from the University of Washington.
Rick Aue, Director
Rick joined Lytle Enterprises in 2008, and was promoted to Director in 2012 – his focus is on lender relationships, operational oversight, and financial analysis.
Rick holds a BS in Business Management from Colorado State University and has over 20 years’ experience working in commercial real estate investing, finance, development, and management.
Rick is an active volunteer and former president of the board of directors for Operation Nightwatch, an organization that provides vital services to the homeless community and stable housing for at-risk, low-income seniors.