Pathfinder Village names new top executive

EDMESTON, N.Y. — Karen M. Knavel has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Pathfinder Village, the nonprofit announced.

Pathfinder Village is a livable community and service provider to provide people with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent lifestyle through educational, day services, vocational/pre-vocational, and outreach programs.

Knavel, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, previously served as the chief executive of New Avenues to Independence in Cleveland and has held leadership roles for more than 25 years at nonprofit agencies serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“Karen combines a passion for helping and improving the lives of those with disabilities with demonstrated excellence in executive and financial leadership,”Pathfinder Village Board of Directors Chair William F. Streck said in a news release. “Pathfinder Village has been blessed with such leaders, and we welcome her to the Village community to sustain and enhance that history.”

Knavel, 54, is the fourth person to serve in the top-executive role at Pathfinder since it began in 1980. She succeeds Paul C. Landers.

She was hired following a year-long national search among executive-level candidates with expertise in disabilities, health care, housing, staffing, and nonprofit operations. Knavel brings a wealth of strategic, operational, and firsthand experience, having served in varied roles including chief operating officer, director of community relations and housing, staff-development specialist, and supported-living coordinator.

Knavel will work with Landers and Pathfinder Village’s leadership team over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Knavel has served on the Ohio Health Care Association as I/DD board chair since 2021 and is on the board of representatives of ANCOR, the national advocacy group for the I/DD community. She also served as a grant reviewer for the Ohio Department of Education and contributed research projects for the Social Security Administration, Columbus Children’s Hospital, retired Judge Linda Rocker, and the late U.S. Representative Steven LaTourette.

She earned a law degree at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Walsh University.

Landers announced his retirement last February, after 15 years of service to the organization. He agreed to stay in the role until his replacement was found and help guide the transition.

Accomplishments under his tenure include the creation of Pathfinder Produce and Pathfinder Village’s adult-day services initiatives to provide job training and work opportunities to adults with I/DD. The organization also increased its service capacitywith the addition of a community health center, several off-campus homes, and the expansion of its west campus. Other achievements include the start of Otsego Academy, Camp Pathfinder, and the Aging Initiative.