Karen Hatcher Russel

STEWARDSHIP

While working at the Loudoun County Department of Social Services in the 1970’s Karen Russell was first introduced to the men and women being served by Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO).

Almost immediately, Karen felt the need to be a part of the organization. ECHO hired Karen in July of 1977 and she has worked there tirelessly ever since, not just for the organization, but for the people ECHO seeks to serve.

Karen’s determination has allowed ECHO to offer immeasurable enrichment for disabled individuals while adding quantifiable value to organizations that utilize its participants. Over the past thirty-three years, she has helped bring greater meaning to the lives of many of Loudoun’s disabled citizens and helped them find roles as active members of the community.

Schools Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick was quoted in the Loudoun Business Journal as saying that Karen is “herself an institution” and is responsible for making sure ECHO has the “highest regard in the community.”

Karen was born at Loudoun Hospital Center in Leesburg, Virginia and grew up in Lovettsville. She graduated from Loudoun Valley High School in 1967 and married her high school sweetheart, John. She has two children, Jack and Jennifer, and one grandchild, Nicolas.

View her video below

 

 

Read “What Loudoun Means to Me”