Karen Kahle

Executive Director
kkahle@civicgardencenter.org
513-221-0981 ext. 300

As Executive Director at the Civic Garden Center, Karen works with staff and numerous partners to create an inspiring vision and a realistic plan for fulfilling CGC’s mission to build community around gardening, education and the environment. Whether it’s writing a compelling grant, planning for the annual plant sale fundraiser or sharing the story of the organization with a prospective donor, she loves being part of this small but impactful nonprofit.

It almost seems inevitable that Karen, a native of a rural farming community in northwest Ohio, would wind up at an organization that is all about plants, food and the environment. A graduate of Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati, she has spent more than 30 years working in program and resource development for a variety of good causes, including as the Director of Development and Community Relations for the Corporation for Findlay Market.

Inspired years ago by the work and thought of America's most significant environmental thinker, Aldo Leopold, Karen today finds inspiration in the passion and commitment of the CGC staff, volunteers and supporters who share her appreciation for the beauty of nature and the urgent need to preserve and protect our environment.