Soon after transitioning from United Church Homes general legal counsel to president last year, Ken Young said: “It feels like my entire career has led to this moment.”
Ken Young makes first address to the Board and Senior Leaders
It’s been full speed ahead since Young’s role was expanded to include chief executive officer of UCH and a position within Radiant Alliance – a dynamic consortium of reputable nonprofit health and human services providers – on February 7.
UCH Board members recognized that choosing a new president and CEO would be one of the most important decisions they would make. Continuity in commitment to UCH’s mission, vision and core values was the board’s top consideration.
“In all the ways that matter – in continuity and the values he represents – Ken is the right leader for the future,” said UCH Board Chair Karl Ulrich. “Although we knew and respected Ken from working with him over the years, we didn’t automatically assume he was the best choice. We had a responsibility to dive into the nuts and bolts – to understand his thinking and approach to leadership.”
Young “made his case” that he was ready and eager for the challenges of the president/CEO role, but only after much thought and self-reflection. Out-going CEO Rev. Ken Daniel, who has been a mentor to Young throughout his 14-year tenure, helped Young realize that he was called to do this work.
“We are profoundly grateful for Rev. Daniel’s visionary leadership and the legacy he leaves,” said Ulrich. “We are equally confident in Ken Young’s ability to lead UCH into an exciting future while advancing our mission and values.”
“I’m honored to serve,” Young said. “After a year in the role of president, I have a deeper understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges. I’m fortunate to have a solid team I can trust and to be surrounded by people at all levels of the organization who share my commitment to UCH’s mission and core values.”
Ken Young 20 years ago
Young grew up playing team sports and played basketball in college, so he has a team mindset and gravitates to leadership roles. He has been an important member of UCH’s senior leadership team since leaving his law firm, where as a partner he worked almost exclusively for UCH, to become inhouse general legal counsel almost 20 years ago.
“It’s been a journey,” Young said. “Reflection, prayer, discussions with people I trust who know me well, peers … I know this is what’s right for UCH and for me. It’s really exciting – UCH’s future is unbelievably bright.”
“February 7 was an emotional day for Ken and for me,” Rev. Daniel said. “I gave a lot of thought to how best to memorialize it for Ken, ultimately choosing three unique, personal gifts.”
They included a cup and bowl made from clay found in the Sandusky, Ohio area, where Young grew up. Northwest Ohio was once home to the Wyandotte Native American Indian Tribe which was known for its hospitality – one of UCH’s core values.
Perhaps the most touching part of the day was presentation of the third gift: a stole Rev. Daniel placed around Young’s shoulders as a symbol of spiritual leadership, service and the calling to ministry. When given from one leader to another, it represents the continuation of leadership – the transfer of responsibility, and the blessing of God’s calling on the new leader.
It was particularly meaningful to Young who, as a graduate of the Nollau Leadership Institute Program, holds a certificate of consecration as a Diakonal Minister of the United Church of Christ.
Will United Church Homes continue to face change beyond its top leader?
“Yes, it’s the nature of the work we do,” Young said. “But UCH has repeatedly proven, even during a global pandemic, that people throughout our organization are up to the changes and challenges of the future. UCH will continue to be a leader in faith-based senior living and care.”
An exciting new chapter begins!
About the Author: Ashley Bills
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