In 2016, KenCrest turned a new page in its history. For the first time, a woman stepped into the role of President and CEO, Marian Baldini, a trailblazer whose deep love for people and steadfast vision for inclusion would shape the organization for years to come.
For 10 years, Marian has led not from above, but alongside her teams. She blended strategic vision with a deep belief in the power of every individual — staff, families, and the people KenCrest supports. She often said, inclusion isn’t just a practice; it’s who we are. Every voice mattered, every idea counted, and every person had the opportunity to shape the organization’s future.
Her story began in 1977 as a Direct Support Professional in a group home inside the original Kensington Dispensary building, helping teens develop life skills for independence. Nearly four decades later, she returned to lead the very organization where her journey began.
At Marian's retirement celebration, her son, James Baldini, shared a glimpse into what it was like growing up alongside his mother’s mission, one that would influence an entire field.
“Before Marian Baldini became the CEO of KenCrest… before JEVS… before all the impressive titles… she was already an executive director at Elwyn Institute and I was her five-year-old sidekick living on campus,” James shared. “It was kind of like Eloise at the Plaza — and if you don’t know that story, Eloise is a little girl who lives in a hotel and wanders the halls getting into mild trouble. That was basically me… except instead of a New York hotel, it was the halls of Elwyn. Chatting with residents… chatting with staff… and knowing exactly where every vending machine was.”
He went on to share how those early years shaped his worldview:
“I spent my early childhood surrounded by people who communicated differently, moved differently, learned differently. And because I was five, none of it felt unusual. It wasn’t special or clinical to me — it was just normal life. There weren’t ‘residents’ or ‘program participants’ in my mind. They were simply the people in my orbit — the ones who said hello when I walked by, the ones who laughed at whatever toddler-level nonsense I was doing that day.”
“When your earliest world is diverse, you don’t grow up thinking ‘differences should be included.’ You grow up thinking ‘differences are included.’ And I didn’t realize it then, but I was living inside the heart of the movement my mom has spent her entire career building.”
James’s words capture what so many at KenCrest have long known: Marian’s leadership was never just about strategy or skill, it was about a lived belief that inclusion is not a program; it’s a way of life.
Fostering Innovation from the Ground Up
Marian’s tenure was defined by empowerment. She championed leadership development, cultivated emerging leaders, and built a culture where generosity and innovation thrived. One shining example: the New Business Idea Initiative (NBI), a staff-driven grant program that turns creative ideas into real-world solutions.
From the Smarter Living Home, which equips individuals with disabilities with technology for independence, to the SWIFT Supports program, helping young children with behavioral challenges remain in inclusive classrooms, Marian encouraged bold thinking. Other innovations, like the LifeCourse Framework and the shift to Meaningful Day services, reflect her belief that people should direct their own lives, define their own paths, and build authentic connections in their communities.
Marian also strengthened KenCrest’s foundation. She unified separate legal entities, led the first enterprise-wide strategic plan, and aligned administration with mission. Her advocacy extended beyond KenCrest, championing fair wages, accessible technology, and inclusive education. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marian inspired resilience and creativity, ensuring meals were delivered and connections maintained for those most isolated.
A Legacy That Endures
As Marian retires this December, her influence is woven into every corner of KenCrest. Staff and families describe her as a steady, values-driven force, one who modeled compassion, generosity, and bold thinking. Under her guidance, inclusion became tangible, innovation became a habit, and leadership became a shared responsibility.
With Aurora Kripa at the helm, KenCrest moves forward with a vision shaped by her leadership and enriched by the legacy Marian leaves behind. Her legacy isn’t measured in accolades; it’s in the thriving, empowered, and inspired people she leaves behind. At KenCrest, that vision lives on in our commitment to value everyone, include everyone, and empower everyone to flourish and lead.
Marian’s remarkable journey came full circle during a heartfelt celebration at the Blue Stone Country Club, where friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor her life’s work. It wasn’t just about honoring her retirement; it was a tribute to a leader whose compassion, courage, and vision forever changed KenCrest and the communities it serves.
Thank you, Marian, for leading with courage, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of inclusion. Your vision has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire us for generations. KenCrest is stronger, bolder, and more united because of you, and for that, we are forever grateful.
