Meet Our Caring Leadership Staff...

Meet our CEO, Karen Pennell

In the year 2000, Karen read the “Prayer of Jabez” book by Bruce Wilkinson. While reading she became challenged by Jabez’s plea to the Lord:

“Enlarge my territory so that I may serve you”

Shortly after the completion of this book she became the director of Chester County Women’s Services. It has been Karen’s heartfelt plea to the Lord that He would expand her territory in Chester County by her service at CCWS. She recognized that women of all ages, all cultures and all economic classes were suffering from the deception of abortion. Karen believes that women are intelligent. She also believes that once women are educated with truth based on the Gospel of Christ that they will make the right choice when facing an unplanned pregnancy. She continues to reach out to these women in our county with a passion for the lost.

Since becoming the chief director, the budget has increased over 400% and the client base increased over 300%. CCWS began as a counseling ministry in 1985 and transitioned to a medical facility in 2003. In spring of 2006 they opened their second medical facility. With the use of ultrasound, CCWS is experiencing 98% of their abortion minded and vulnerable clients choosing to carry their babies to term. Some clients choose to parent and others choose to place their babies into the adoption process.

Karen is a member of the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce and actively helps area non-profit members enhance their skills. She chaired the Non-Profit Academy and Council for five years. Karen has helped pregnancy care centers nationwide in their transition to medical status and their desire to walk in integrity and excellence. Through her unique two tier appeal process Karen has helped centers raise in excess of two million dollars in additional funds at their annual banquets nationwide. It is her goal to encourage and empower Directors and CEOs nationwide to walk in wholeness and authority in their role in the pro-life movement. She works with other leaders in the movement to provide the necessary resources and support to equip and empower the key employees. Through a joint effort with Chester County Pro-Life Coalition, Karen helped spearhead the Chester County Pro-Life Leaders Network. Karen also helps foundations invest in non-profits wisely and ministry/nonprofit leaders serve in excellence through services she offers at Karen Pennell Consulting (www.karenpennellconsulting.com).

Karen has been married to her best friend, Bob, for 31 years. They have been blessed with four children (one of which is celebrating life in heaven). She and her husband also enjoy hosting and leading Bible study in their home, spending time with their teenage son and getting together with their two adult daughters. She is enjoying the role of grandma to her granddaughter born September 2006 and her grandson born in April 2008!

You can reach Karen at karen@ccwsmedical.org or (610) 593-6331 (direct line) or (610) 357-0962 (cell).

Our Coordinator Team

Education Coordinator, Sandy Bryan- You can reach Sandy at sandy@ccwsmedical.org or (610) 383-0930

Finance Coordinator, Cindy Kreh- You can reach Cindy at cindy@ccwsmedical.org or (610) 383-0930

Resource Development Coordinator, Sue Mango- You can reach Sue at sue@ccwsmedical.org or (610) 383-0930

CONGRATULATIONS TO MYRIAM RUAGER for her promotion to Community Health Education Coordinator!!!!  Please contact Myriam for all staff inquiries, speaking engagements, health fairs, opportunities to serve at CCWS Medical and our bilingual services.  She looks forward to speaking with you!

Community Health Education Coordinator, Myriam Ruager- You can reach Myriam at myriam@ccwsmedical.org, (610) 918-7088 and (484) 883-6925.

Our Board of Directors

Mary Shearer, Treasurer

Bob McGinnis, Board President

Donna Clark, Secretary

Karen Pennell, CEO

Phil Vandenberg

Jim Shaner, Board Vice President (not pictured)

We are currently looking to add to our Board of Directors. Contact Karen Pennell if you would like to have more information regarding serving the Lord in this capacity.