Comings & Goings: January 2024

Pathfinder Village Names Karen Knavel as CEO

Karen Knavel is the new president and chief executive officer at ANCOR member Pathfinder Village. Pathfinder Village, a nationally recognized leader in person-centered services for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities, is a livable community that offers diverse and high-quality residential, educational, vocational, health, enrichment, and other services throughout the lifespan. Ms. Knavel, 54, is the fourth person to serve in the top executive role since Pathfinder began in 1980.

Karen is a lifetime advocate for people with disabilities, and has served on the Board of Representatives of ANCOR, and the Ohio Health Care Association as I/DD Board Chair since 2021. She earned a Juris Doctor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Columbus, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History at Walsh University, North Canton. She is the mother of two adult children and enjoys nature, hiking, and reading.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York; it was founded in 1980 to provide people with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, vocational/pre-vocational, and outreach programs.

André Floyd is ANCOR’s Communications Manager.