Founder & Owner of Gathering Waters™ | Principal of Pierpoint Development Group

Kathy Howlett-Despot has built her career around one guiding belief: the places we create have the power to shape the way people live, connect, and experience the world around them.

With decades of experience in development, hospitality, senior living, wellness, and community-focused projects, Kathy brings a unique perspective to every property she touches — seeing not just buildings, but stories waiting to be restored and shared.

As the owner of Pierpoint Development Group, Kathy has focused on creating meaningful destinations that blend thoughtful design, authentic character, and memorable experiences. Her work centers around revitalizing properties in ways that honor their history while creating spaces where people can gather, recharge, celebrate, and reconnect.

Through Gathering Waters™, Kathy’s vision is to transform unique properties into destinations that offer more than a place to stay — they offer a feeling. Each project is intentionally designed to celebrate local character, natural beauty, wellness, and the simple moments that bring people together.

Before developing Gathering Waters™, Kathy spent more than 35 years in senior housing and healthcare development, management, and marketing. Her previous leadership roles included serving as President of Senior Living Design Group and involvement in the development and operation of multiple senior living and wellness-focused communities throughout Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Her passion has always been creating environments that support connection, comfort, and quality of life. Today, that passion has evolved into preserving and reimagining distinctive properties — creating spaces where guests, families, and travelers can slow down, experience something meaningful, and create lasting memories.