Founders

Charles S. Lytle, President

In a career spanning five decades, Chuck has managed, acquired and developed more than $1.5 billion in health care 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 Stores, 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.

The Lytles’ Community Involvement

Chuck and Karen are members of the Swedish Medical Center Foundation Campaign Leadership Council. Through a major contribution from the Lytle Family, The Lytle Center for Pregnancy & Newborns opened at the Swedish/First Hill Campus in 2013.

In their ongoing support for the performing arts, the Lytles serve as directors on the board of Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE), the parent organization of  Tateuchi Center, are members of the PACE Board’s Executive Committee, and are past co-chairs of the Tateuchi Center capital and endowment campaign.