Board names Jennifer Karsten Executive Director

June 11, 2012

To Friends of Pendle Hill Everywhere:

With joyful hearts and spirits, the Pendle Hill Board has appointed Jennifer Karsten as jen-karsten Executive Director following a careful, thorough search process. A member of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, along with her family, her life has been shaped by the Religious Society of Friends. She possesses the vision, talents, and practical skills to lead Pendle Hill into the years ahead - mindful of its eighty years of rich Quaker history.

Educated at Elon, Lesley, and McGill universities, Jen brings strong academic credentials as well as financial and personnel management and strategic planning experience to Pendle Hill. Prior to Pendle Hill, Jen served as Director of Education for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and likewise for Awbury Arboretum. The themes of education, environmental knowledge and practice, activism and social justice resonate throughout her professional experience. Her service on the boards of the United Nations Association (Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, and the Envision Peace Museum is representative of her many volunteer activities.

We have been particularly impressed by Jen’s practical experience in many areas. Jen designed and supervised an on-line learning center for students at the McGill School of Environment. She has facilitated more than forty workshops and has worked collaboratively with diverse groups and organizations for shared peace and justice goals. While at Pendle Hill, she has engaged with all staff members on the topic “Increasing our Cultural Competence.”

We believe that staff members at Pendle Hill have benefited from Jen’s seasoned, spirit-filled leadership as interim executive director over the past several months. She has led budget preparations, developed plans for greater sustainability, created the case for a feasibility study, and supported program initiatives to serve a wide variety of people.

Jen sums up her approach to Pendle Hill’s future saying, “I am committed to Pendle Hill and am inviting all those who believe in our vision to be part of this time in which we reach for our highest potential.” Please join us for this exciting journey with Jen!

In Peace,