April 3, 2026 —Kendal at Home is proud to announce the appointment of Karen Graham as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. Following a collaborative search process involving members and employees, Karen transitions into this vital leadership role after serving as the organization’s long-standing Chief Financial Officer and current Interim CEO.
Karen brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate vision for the future of Kendal at Home. Her diverse background across various organizations provides a well-rounded perspective on sustaining a thriving, mission-driven organization that prioritizes the evolving needs of older adults.
She is already a familiar and highly respected presence within the Kendal at Home family and has been instrumental in ensuring the organization’s financial stability and operational excellence. During her tenure, she successfully helped lead the process of Kendal at Home becoming an independent Kendal Affiliate and guided thoughtful expansions into new markets, including Boston and Northern Kentucky.
Vassar Byrd shares, “As Kendal at Home’s long-serving CFO and current Interim CEO, she has been a steady and trusted presence at Kendal at Home, and now, she steps into this role with a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future.”
Rosa Licea-Mailloux, Board Chair, shares, “Karen has worked across a range of companies, giving her a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to sustain a thriving organization. Her rare combination of finance, operations, and IT solutions expertise positions her perfectly to lead the organization forward.”
Stepping into her new role, Karen shares, “As Kendal at Home celebrates its 20-plus year legacy, I am energized by the opportunity to help lead the organization into its next chapter, honoring what has been built while positioning us for thoughtful growth, continued innovation and long-term sustainability. I am committed to working closely with members, the Board of Directors, The Kendal Corporation and partners across the Kendal System to ensure Kendal at Home continues to lead nationally while staying deeply rooted in the communities we serve.”
In her new role as Chief Executive Officer, Karen will provide comprehensive, hands-on leadership to guide Kendal at Home’s vision and long-term strategic goals within the rapidly evolving landscape of senior services. Together, as a member of the Kendal System, Karen will lead a team dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, driving innovation, and ensuring financial stability while keeping member empowerment at the heart of Kendal at Home’s mission.
The entire Kendal System also expresses heartfelt gratitude to Lynne Giacobbe, retired CEO, for her transformative leadership. Her profound contributions have laid a strong foundation of empathy and operational excellence, ensuring a seamless transition as Karen continues this shared commitment.