Welcoming Susan Knoll as YWCA Lancaster's New Chief Mission Officer

We are excited to announce that Susan Knoll, LCSW, has joined YWCA Lancaster as our new Chief Mission Officer.

With a distinguished career dedicated to advancing social justice, equity, and community empowerment, Susan brings a wealth of experience and a shared passion for our mission. Her leadership and vision will play a pivotal role in helping us continue our work to eliminate racism, empower women, and create a more just and equitable Lancaster.

Susan Knoll, LCSW, comes to YWCA Lancaster with over twenty-five years of experience, including fifteen years in leadership roles, spanning the child and family services, education, and governmental sectors. As a social worker with a strong focus on social justice, she has spent most of her career focusing on fostering inclusive, equitable environments and driving social impact through strategic program development, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Her expertise includes leading cross-functional teams for Caron Treatment Centers (Student Assistance Programs), the School District of Lancaster, Franklin & Marshall College, and, most recently, the office of State Representative Izzy Smith-Wade-EL. 

Susan began her social work career as a bilingual child protection and kinship support caseworker in Boulder County, Colorado. After moving to Pennsylvania in 2012, she worked as a school social worker for seven years in public schools across Lancaster and Berks counties. In 2019, she co-developed Franklin and Marshall's first-ever Behavioral Intervention Team, DipCares, which she oversaw for three years. Most recently, as Chief of Staff for Representative Smith-Wade-El, she has concentrated on the policy level, working alongside Rep. Izzy on issues such as immigration rights, homelessness, and education equity.

Susan Knoll's career exemplifies the values at the heart of YWCA Lancaster’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Her deep commitment to fostering equitable environments, championing social justice, and driving systemic change aligns seamlessly with our organization's goals. Whether advocating for marginalized communities, shaping policies to address pressing social issues, or creating innovative programs to support diverse populations, Susan has demonstrated a passion for building inclusive, supportive spaces where individuals and communities can thrive. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team and look forward to the incredible impact she will have as our new Chief Mission Officer.