STAFF
The staff manage the work of The Sarah Ralston Foundation and ensure that the legacy of Sarah Ralston and the Ralston Center live on.
Lynette Killen
Executive Director
Lynette Killen brings a career of leadership, service and advocacy for older people. She began serving as Executive Director of Ralston Center in 2018 and led the organization in its transition to a private foundation, The Sarah Ralston Foundation, in 2023. Previously she was CEO of Chandler Hall Health Services, a long-term care residential community and hospice in Newtown, PA, for 14 years; administrator for geriatrics at Albert Einstein Medical Center, a teaching hospital in Philadelphia, for 11 years; and director/assistant director of social work at two other Philadelphia hospitals. She has consulted in the aging and social services field and advised Trumbower Hospital Foundation on philanthropic matters. Lynette holds three master’s degrees: in social work, from West Virginia University; in business administration, from Widener University; and in aging services, from the University of Baltimore, Erickson School. Among many volunteer governance roles, Lynette has chaired the board of Philadelphia Senior Center and currently is the 2nd Vice-President for ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth.
Read more: Questions and Answers with Lynette Killen.
Allison Cooper
Grants & Financial Manager
Allison Cooper joined the Ralston Center in the fall of 2012, added Ralston Center Bookkeeping responsibilities to her duties in 2019, and became the Grants & Financial Manager of The Sarah Ralston Foundation in 2023. Allison received her B.A. in History from Pennsylvania State University and completed her M.P.S. in Human Resources from Pennsylvania State University. Allison has been a lifelong member of the Mt. Airy/Germantown community.
Claire Lynch
Communications Manager
Claire Lynch joined the Sarah Ralston Foundation in February of 2023 as Communications Manager. Her role is to create, manage and execute communications on behalf of the Foundation, including our website, social media, and newsletters. She brings experience as a twice elected School Board Official, and in 2009, founded an education foundation that is still in existence. She has served as Communications Director in the healthcare space and as a communications consultant for nonprofits such as The United Way, Fisherman’s Mark in Lambertville, NJ and a South Florida charitable foundation.
BOARD
The Board of Directors includes prominent local and national leaders. All Directors share a passion for older adults, and all are committed to carrying out the intentions of The Sarah Ralston Foundation.