Staff

Karen has been a leader at CARITAS since 2009. She has helped drive the growth and vision of the agency, including founding the CARITAS Furniture Bank and turning the CARITAS Center project into a reality. She leads and oversees the operations for all of CARITAS’s programs and facilities. She is passionate about effective leadership, powerful partnerships, and sustainable change. While her business background started at a Fortune 500 company, Karen’s entrepreneurial spirit and expertise sharpened as a co-owner of a GE distribution center in Richmond, VA.

Karen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in math from Hartwick College. Karen is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond, a 2016 Stettinius Leadership Award winner, and recipient of Boomer Magazines “IT” list award for 2013. Karen also earned a Mini MBA from the University of Richmond and graduated from the Bank of America Program.

What she loves about working at CARITAS: My life is richer thanks to the people I work with and the neighbors we come alongside. Radical HOPE demands we always believe the human spirit is stronger than our brokenness. This belief is at the center of our work, our culture, and in our hearts at CARITAS, making every day an opportunity for mutual healing.

Her favorite place in Richmond: Outside! I love spending time on the river, state parks, golf courses, bike/walking trails, and the pickleball court!

Mark brings more than 20 years of finance experience to the CARITAS team.  Throughout his career, Mark has strengthened financial controls, implemented and improved business processes, and created highly accurate financial models for short- and long-term planning.

Mark holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Richmond and a Bachelor’s of Science from Old Dominion University.  In his free time, he enjoys watching college sports, cooking for his family, and working on projects around the house.  Mark lives in Hanover with his wife and two sons.

What he loves about working at CARITAS: I am excited for the family atmosphere and genuine passion of the team for the mission of CARITAS,” says Mark.  “I look forward to joining CARITAS employees in the drive and commitment to the mission.

His favorite place in Richmond: –

Emily Lehmann has lived and worked in Richmond and the surrounding area for her entire life. She has a passion for serving and helping the Richmond community. She most recently worked at SOAR365 as the Assistant Vice President for Day and Respite Services. She oversaw programs and services for adults and children with disabilities, specifically, Adult Day Support, Children and Youth, Respite, Summer Camp, and emergency programs. In her 18 years of experience in Human Services, she has successfully led multiple programs, grown services, and had a positive impact on the community. She serves on the board for Girls on the Run Greater Richmond as Secretary.

Emily is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master’s degree in Teaching, a Bachelor’s degree in English, and a Post-baccalaureate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. She is currently a part of the Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2023 and was voted Top 40 under 40 in 2022 by Richmond’s Style Weekly. Emily enjoys exploring the Capital Trail on foot and on the bike, enjoys traveling with her husband, and anything that keeps her body and mind active.

What she loves about working at CARITAS: Innovation – The strive to improve the community and the lives of the people served.
Her favorite place in Richmond: The top of the first hill on the Capital Trail coming from the city. It is the best view of Richmond by far!

Clara directs all fundraising efforts at CARITAS. She joined the staff in 2015 and soon thereafter helped launch and manage the largest capital campaign in the agency’s history. With a fabulous team of development professionals, Clara is responsible for ensuring the financial needs of our programs are fulfilled through the philanthropic support of our community.

Prior to CARITAS, Clara has more than a decade of nonprofit fundraising experience as well as eight years as a Specialty Cut Flower Farm owner and operator. Clara received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wofford College and is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond and a 2001 graduate of Leadership Charlotte. Clara serves on the executive board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Virginia Chapter and also as the Chairperson of AFP’s National Philanthropy Day. She is a member of the Appomattox Education Foundation Board of Directors, and President of the A.R.G.S. Theater Arts Boosters.

What she loves about working at CARITAS: I love authentic conversations with supporters and learning about their inspiration to give. It is my great privilege to work alongside our participants where I witness a magical space of loving and living that is uniquely CARITAS.

Her favorite place in Richmond: When I am not at work, you can find me hiking along the river, at the VMFA, or sitting on my porch with neighbors.

A Richmond native, Stacy founded her marketing company, Wythe Ave Consulting, in 2016 after serving as marketing director at MWV/WestRock.

Stacy holds a bachelor’s in marketing management from Virginia Tech and an MBA from VCU. She enjoys reading, cooking healthy food, and taking the occasional yoga retreat to make sure her own bucket is filled. She lives in Midlothian with her husband, two kids, and two rescue dogs.

What she loves about working at CARITAS: The team of sharp, mission-driven folks at CARITAS.

Her favorite place in Richmond: Belle Isla where she had her first date with her husband.