Mr. Klaassen served as CEO from its inception in 1981 until 2008 and continued as Chairman until 2011.  Sunrise was the leading pioneer for a new model of senior living which became known as Assisted Living in the United States.  Mr. Klaassen modeled the Sunrise Assisted Living concept on the Dutch model of long term care he observed in the Netherlands.

Mr. Klaassen has also served on many public, private and not for profit boards including: the Netherlands America Foundation, the United States Chamber of Commerce, The Trinity Forum, Quality Care Properties, Meristar Hospitality Corporation.   He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the J127 Foundation, an operator of several private schools and early childhood academies in the DC area.

Mr. Klaassen provides the Compassion & Choices board of directors with over 30 years as a founder and leader in the assisted living and senior living field.