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Kenan J. Sklenar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties (Youngstown, OH) Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties in Youngstown, Ohio, has grown exponentially in the 17 years Ken Sklenar has been at its helm. Since 2010, the organization grew from serving 5,000 to more than 12,000 children and adults with disabilities or special needs annually, and its budget has increased from $3.7 million to $8 million. The recent growth spurt was the direct result of two bold moves – a merger and an acquisition, both the result of a strategic plan Sklenar started guiding in 2008. That plan provided a roadmap for success. The changes brought new programs and services: Audiology Services, Home Delivered Meals, School-based Nursing Services, significant increases to the organization’s Homemaker and Personal Care services, and more. In 2009, the organization had a deficit of $11,000. Since then, it has seen positive surpluses: $67,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $252,000 in 2011. “It’s been a whirlwind,” says Board Chair Mary Ann Carano. “The way Ken handled what, at times, was a very difficult process – I give him so much credit.” Among the many accomplishments Carano credits to Sklenar are Easter Seals’ six consecutive threeyear CARF accreditations, including being noted for exemplary conformance to CARF standards and for Easter Seals Outcomes Measurement System, which CARF recognizes for its value and improvements made to programs and services. Sklenar has focused on developing support for growing Easter Seals services and outreach, increasing foundation support from $270,000 to more than $650,000 per year. He’s also focused on building the number of Presidents’ Council members from 50 to 85 in 2011 alone, and recruiting and engaging new volunteers. He’s added new members to the board of trustees, and serves as the main point of contact for two groups that each raise more than $100,000 each year to support Easter Seals services. Above all the achievements, however, Carano says what stands out about Ken is his genuine care and interest in the people around him, from staff to volunteers and clients. “Ken is one of the finest, most compassionate people I have ever met,” she says. “I’m amazed by how much he does and how invested he is in every aspect of our organization – particularly the kids. He’s involved in every aspect of their progress. They just love him. For Ken, this is more than just a job.” Learn more about Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties. |
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