LifePath Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

LifePath has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, human resources, and board governance.

Committed to fostering dignity for individuals with disabilities, LifePath delivers essential residential, vocational, and community support services across Pennsylvania to ensure every client leads a meaningful life.

Leadership Roles at LifePath

  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Susan Leyburn
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mary Horner
  • Chief Operating Officer - Susan Giachetti
  • Board President - John Ehresman
  • Board President - Kaj Karch
  • Chief Human Resource Officer - Karen Werkheiser
  • Susan Leyburn - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Susan Leyburn, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at LifePath, directs the overarching mission to provide specialized support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leyburn architects the strategic vision for residential and community programs, ensuring alignment with the non-profit's commitment to dignity and respect. By engaging with the Board and external stakeholders, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for expanding service reach throughout Pennsylvania. Susan Leyburn monitors the efficacy of vocational and older adult services, driving continuous improvement in client outcomes. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while maintaining high standards of care. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer sustains the long-term viability of the mission. Ultimately, Leyburn guarantees that every initiative directly enhances the quality of life for families and individuals requiring specialized assistance within the regional service network.
    Susan Leyburn

    Mary Horner - Chief Financial Officer

    Mary Horner, the Chief Financial Officer at LifePath, manages the fiscal integrity and resource allocation for all non-profit operations. Horner oversees the budgeting process for residential programs and community support services, ensuring financial sustainability across the Pennsylvania service area. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the deployment of funds to maximize client impact. Mary Horner collaborates with executive leadership to align financial planning with the organization's long-term strategic goals. This role involves maintaining strict compliance with non-profit accounting standards and reporting requirements. Through diligent monitoring of economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks while supporting the expansion of vocational services. Horner provides the necessary data-driven insights to guide board decisions regarding capital investments. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to uphold the mission of providing dignified care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    Mary Horner

    Susan Giachetti - Chief Operating Officer

    Susan Giachetti, the Chief Operating Officer at LifePath, executes the daily delivery of residential and community support services across the organization. Giachetti architects the operational workflows that enable staff to provide high-quality care for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. By streamlining service delivery models, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that vocational and older adult programs meet the specific needs of Pennsylvania families. Susan Giachetti coordinates with department heads to maintain consistent standards of dignity and respect in every facility. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of service expansion and optimizing internal processes for greater efficiency. Through proactive problem-solving, the Chief Operating Officer addresses operational challenges that arise within the diverse service portfolio. Giachetti drives the implementation of best practices to improve client engagement and program outcomes. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational excellence necessary to fulfill the core mission of the organization.
    Susan Giachetti

    John Ehresman - Board President

    John Ehresman, the Board President at LifePath, governs the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization. Ehresman architects the board's agenda to ensure alignment with the mission of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By facilitating communication between the board and executive leadership, the Board President provides oversight on major initiatives and long-term planning. John Ehresman monitors the organization's adherence to its non-profit mandate, ensuring that all activities reflect the core values of dignity and respect. This role involves evaluating the performance of the executive team and guiding the organization through significant market shifts in Pennsylvania. Through collaborative decision-making, the Board President supports the expansion of residential and community services. Ehresman champions the organization's cause to external stakeholders and donors to secure necessary support. Ultimately, the Board President maintains the governance structure required to uphold the organization's commitment to providing meaningful lives for all clients.

    Kaj Karch - Board President

    Kaj Karch, the Board President at LifePath, leads the board in establishing policies that protect the interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Karch architects the framework for board accountability, ensuring that all programs, including vocational and older adult services, remain true to the organizational mission. By overseeing the board's committee structure, the Board President drives progress on key strategic objectives and financial oversight. Kaj Karch engages with community leaders to advocate for the needs of families requiring specialized support within Pennsylvania. This role involves navigating complex governance issues to ensure the organization remains a leader in the non-profit sector. Through careful review of operational reports, the Board President assesses the impact of services on client quality of life. Karch provides the necessary guidance to ensure the organization adapts to changing regulatory and social landscapes. Ultimately, the Board President secures the long-term stability and ethical integrity of the organization.

    Karen Werkheiser - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Karen Werkheiser, the Chief Human Resource Officer at LifePath, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for supporting individuals with disabilities. Werkheiser architects programs focused on staff training, retention, and the cultivation of a culture rooted in dignity and respect. By overseeing recruitment efforts across Pennsylvania, the Chief Human Resource Officer ensures that the organization maintains a skilled workforce capable of delivering specialized residential and vocational services. Karen Werkheiser manages employee relations and performance management systems to align staff contributions with the broader mission. This role involves developing policies that promote workplace safety and professional growth for all team members. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resource Officer addresses the unique staffing requirements of community support services. Werkheiser fosters an environment where employees feel empowered to provide exceptional care. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resource Officer secures the human capital necessary to sustain the organization's impact on the lives of clients.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding LifePath Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads LifePath?
    LifePath is led by Susan Leyburn (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mary Horner (Chief Financial Officer) and Susan Giachetti (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of LifePath’s executive team?
    The executive team of LifePath includes leaders such as Susan Leyburn (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), Mary Horner (Chief Financial Officer), Susan Giachetti (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does LifePath have?
    LifePath has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in LifePath’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of LifePath includes roles such as Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Board President, Board President.