IRVINE, CA—Healthcare real estate operators and managers tend to think in two different camps, but the goal is the same for both, American Healthcare Investors' EVP for asset management Christopher Belford tells GlobeSt.com. As we recently reported, Belford has joined the company after most recently serving as president of Brookdale Senior Living's western division. We spoke exclusively with Belford about his new role with AHI and the challenges asset managers in healthcare real estate face today.

GlobeSt.com: Clearly, with your background, you bring real expertise to AHI from an operational perspective. What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?

Belford: With 25 years on the operational side of senior living and healthcare, I've had plenty of experience in running assets from a strategy perspective. The advantage of operations is you are the one who is controlling the strategy of those assets. What I really hope to accomplish in this role is to partner with the operators and create value for our stakeholders: the residents, the families of residents and the patients and their families. I don't come from a background of real estate, which gives me a unique perspective on managing assets.

GlobeSt.com: What are the greatest challenges healthcare asset managers face today?

Belford: On the healthcare side, the situation is very fluid. Rates and occupancy are constantly changing and evolving in the senior-housing sector. We've seen growth in competition, new developments—the category is certainly growing. Operators need to think years ahead of time to make sure the market share meets investor expectations. We must be aware of the way regulations are being written as they affect the day-to-day operations for the communities and take the opportunities that are afforded to us in the regulatory environment when they show up, as well as take advantage of those that shape public opinion. We need to provide great care and services in the healthcare environment, but we also need to stay on top of the regulatory environment.

GlobeSt.com: Where are there untapped opportunities in healthcare asset management?

Belford: Asset managers should partner more with operators. That's not to say that they haven't, but there's a tendency for operators and managers to think in two different camps, when the goal is the same: increasing value. My goal is to partner with operators to create that value and bridge any gaps that may occur. That's my ultimate goal—to bridge the gaps between operators and asset management and make sure we're creating the value we have talked about.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about the senior-housing and healthcare space?

Belford: There are some headwinds, and operators who saw those headwinds coming their way have changed the way they do their business. You need to think two to three years down the road and see where operations are shaping the business.