Our Founder & Chief Guide: Bernard J. Putz, Ph.D.

At SilverBeacon, we believe every aging journey deserves clarity, dignity, and support—not confusion, fear, or rushed decisions. That belief comes from the lived experience, extensive training, and thoughtful work of our founder, Bernard J. Putz, Ph.D.

A Life Dedicated to Understanding People and Systems

Bernard’s professional journey spans decades in consulting, financial services, organizational transformation, and human-centered design. He has worked with startups and Fortune 100 organizations—bringing clarity to complexity, strategy to uncertainty, and compassion to change. Before founding SilverBeacon.net, Bernard served in roles including transformation strategist, consultant, innovation leader, and executive in financial services where he championed value creation through deep understanding of human needs and organizational dynamics.

Rooted in Rigorous Scholarship and Real-World Expertise

Bernard holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and an MBA, combining scientific rigor with practical insight. His academic and professional training is further augmented by specialized certifications in gerontology, healthy aging, data science, analytics, and AI equipping him with the knowledge to thoughtfully navigate the multifaceted challenges that emerge with aging.

Whether translating research into actionable tools or designing frameworks that help families think clearly under pressure, Bernard brings a rare blend of:

  • Empathy and human understanding

  • Analytical rigor and data fluency

  • Practical experience in decision architecture

  • Deep respect for autonomy and dignity

Why SilverBeacon Exists

When his Mom fell and he and his wife were confronted by dozens of questions about the future direction of her life, having to make decision within hours he knew there has to be a better way. Luckily they had a strong network that jumped in to give them just in time advice.

When people get older—or when a crisis suddenly arises—the decisions we face are often overwhelming:
Should I stay in my home? How do I pay for care? What choices support independence without sacrificing safety? Where do I even begin with legal planning, caregiving, or community services?

Bernard founded SilverBeacon.net to meet these questions not with one-size-fits-all answers, but with trusted information, curated resources, and decision support grounded in human values.

His purpose is clear:

To be a neutral, respected, and empathetic guide through the complexity of aging so that individuals, families, and caregivers alike can make the best possible decisions for their lives.

A Trusted Name, A Thoughtful Approach

People who work with Bernard quickly see a pattern: he doesn’t oversimplify. He doesn’t rush you to a conclusion. He listens deeply, synthesizes widely, and helps you think—not just choose.

At SilverBeacon.net, that approach becomes a platform for everyone facing aging decisions.