HomePorts™, a 501 (c)(3) based in Kent County, Maryland whose mission is to help seniors age gracefully in place, is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Carr
as Executive Director, following the departure of Jeanette Jeffrey on October 31, 2024.
Reporting to HomePorts President Gale Drenning, Carr will bring 30 years’ experience delivering healthcare information, services and tools to people who need them — regardless of their age, race, background or ability to pay.
A seasoned marketing and communications professional, Carr will partner with the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers to continue to build the HomePorts brand while also focusing on growing the donor- and funding base and expanding the organization’s reach across Kent County.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Karen as our Executive Director,” said Gail Drenning, Board president. Her professional experience in health and wellness — combined with her passion for helping the aging live happy and healthy lives — makes her an excellent addition to our team.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join HomePorts and to collaborate with the Board and volunteers to build on the strong foundation that the organization’s leadership has created,” said Carr. I also look forward to helping shape the future of HomePorts through the development of our donors and volunteers, and to expanding our outreach with the greater Kent County non-profit community. Last, I’m looking forward to working with our current and future members to create new programs that will enhance their health and wellbeing.”
Carr graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh with dual majors in English Writing/ Communications and French. She resides in Chestertown where HomePorts’ headquarters are located.
According to the June 2021 AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, aging in place is the goal of 77% of adults 50 and older. Over the next 25 years the U.S. Census Bureau projects the 65 and older age group will double in size. The need for older adult services has already reached a critical point in Kent County, whose population of residents age 50+ is currently 48%. With Carr’s leadership, HomePorts will continue to provide its services following the Village-to-Village Network model, a national grassroots organization leading best practices for healthy and vibrant aging.