Retirement is something that Bill Cunitz, former CEO and president of the Pilgrim Place, has seen many times throughout his career, but for the first time in his life, he will be the one retiring. The Pilgrim Place is a highly renowned senior community in Claremont that is open to those who are involved in religious or charitable organizations. Just last month, Cunitz retired from his position after 17 years and was replaced by Ann R. Schiff.

Cunitz is looking forward to his retirement, having worked so closely with the retirement process he feels comfortable with his retirement decision, when many often approach it with caution.

“A very wise friend once told me that at the end of a performance, ‘an actor should get off the stage before the applause ends.’ That’s how I think we should all acknowledge and time our appropriate exits,” Cunitz said.

Cunitz was raised in Boston and first came to the Pilgrim Place in 1998. Now, for the final phase of his life, he is going to retire in Portland, Oregon. Cunitz has enjoyed his time here in Claremont, but he felt that he was ready for a retirement of his own.

“I definitely will miss Pilgrim Place and Claremont, but I have just moved to Portland, Oregon and am discovering this to be a very interesting, lively, and diverse city. It will help me ‘get over’ my homesickness,” Cunitz said. “Still, my involvement with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Community Senior Services, Inland Valley Hope Partners, and the Claremont UCC will be difficult to replace.”

In 2015, Cunitz notified the community’s Board of Directors of his retirement early enough within the year to give them enough time to search for a new CEO and president. Thus began the seven month interview process spread nationwide for the perfect replacement for Cunitz. At last, it was narrowed down to Schiff who was an obvious choice based on her 30 years of experience in retirement communities, Bachelor of Sociology degree, and Master of Arts in healthcare. Schiff began working at her new position in early January from Washington D.C., bringing her newly retired husband and her Basset Hound, Delilah, with her.

Although retirement can be an eye opener and a difficult transition period for some, people like Cunitz and Schiff have made the
process easier and less stressful for those of age. Cunitz will be missed in the homely community of the Pilgrim Place but he is enjoying his retirement and the residents gave a warm and friendly welcome to Schiff.