KENCREST BOARD NAMES AURORA KRIPA ITS NEXT CEO

She will replace President and CEO Marian Baldini who will be retiring in December

BLUE BELL, Pa., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of KenCrest, an organization with 120 years of community service, has appointed Chief Operating Officer Aurora Kripa as its next President, CEO. Kripa will replace Marian Baldini, who is retiring later this year after serving at the company since 2015. 

"The KenCrest Board is deeply grateful to Marian for her exceptional leadership and contributions during her tenure as CEO," said Scott McCloskey, KenCrest Board President. "Through her guidance, KenCrest has achieved significant milestones and maintained a strong reputation for quality, service, and innovation for the people we serve.  I am confident in the extremely talented team at KenCrest as well as the leadership that Aurora will bring as CEO and am certain that KenCrest is well-positioned for continued success in the future."   

Marian Baldini, a dedicated and visionary leader who has served in the field for 48 years, will retire in December 2025. Her relentless advocacy for inclusion and innovation has left an indelible mark on the organization and the community. 

Marian's career is a testament to her belief in the giftedness of every person. She has been a lifelong educator and a key figure in policy development. Her efforts to end day programs that segregated adults with disabilities have paved the way for a more inclusive society. Throughout her career, Marian has mentored countless leaders. 

She has been recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the "Most Admired CEOs" (2019) in the region, as well as a "Woman of Distinction" (2015); one of Main Line Today's "Power Women" in 2021; the Lutheran Services of America (LSA) for her leadership as their first-ever Paragon Award recipient in 2022. Marian will soon be inducted into the national ANCOR Foundation Legacy Leaders Hall of Fame.  

"As Marian steps into retirement, we celebrate her remarkable career and the lasting impact she has made" shared Aurora.  "We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her years of service and dedication to creating a more inclusive world." 

"As I retire, I am so delighted to be able to hand off the light of leadership to Aurora," said Marian. "She has both the head and the heart to engage the many gifted people at KenCrest and inspire a shared vision for a bold future," 

Aurora started with KenCrest in 2018 as a consultant and quickly stepped up as the Chief Human Resources Officer in 2019, and later as Chief Operating Officer. She brought over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and operational oversight in the human services industry to the role. Before joining KenCrest, Aurora served as the first Chief Executive Officer of JEVS at Home. She established this JEVS subsidiary with remarkable growth; it served 900 individuals with $32 million in revenue, employing 1,200 staff in only six months. 

As the Chief Operating Officer at KenCrest, Aurora leads operational performance, growth and innovation in all services.  A dynamic, person-centered and results-oriented leader, she inspires teamwork and moves with determination, tackling the most complex challenges.  

She holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Italian from Temple University, a Master of Business Administration from LaSalle University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She is fluent in three languages—English, Albanian, and Italian. Aurora has been recognized for her contributions to public service and leadership. She was honored with Billy Penn's "Who's Next" in Public Service Award in 2018, SmartCEO's Future 50 Award in 2017, and the 2016 Cornerstone Award 

"It is an honor to follow Marian in this work," said Aurora. "KenCrest has been positively transforming people's lives and communities for the last 120 years. I look forward to leading with purpose and ensuring that our actions continue to align with KenCrest's mission.   

About KenCrest
For 120 years, KenCrest has supported adults and children with an intellectual or developmental disability through residential options, community engagement supports, early intervention, enabling technology, and our Early Learning Centers. All our services seek to increase a person's quality of life based on desires, preferences, and goals.  KenCrest's mission is to support community development by exploring possibilities, mobilizing resources, and empowering dreams. 

Media Contact: Ellen J. Mansfield
E-Mail: Ellen.Mansfield@kencrest.org
Telephone: 610 825 9360 x1023

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SOURCE KenCrest