The 20th annual Rebecca Lukens Award was presented to Chester County Community Foundation’s CEO/President, Karen Simmons. The award ceremony was held at Graystone Mansion, in the Lukens National Historic District, on May 14, 2026.

Ms. Simmons “Has worked with an abiding passion for the local community, family philanthropy, and the legacy work of the Foundation.  She works with balancing a long view of success with a sense of urgency about the work at hand and understands the weight of what it means to steward community assets for perpetuity,” according to her nominators.

Mr. Scott G. Huston, the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum’s President, applauds this year’s choice for the Rebecca Lukens Award. “Karen Simmons has a special connection to the Coatesville community. Years ago, while the Chester County Community Foundation was in its’ infancy, its office was right here on the NISHM campus at Terracina. CCCF remained there for three years, getting a real taste for the flavor of Coatesville.” James Ziegler, Executive Director, concurs with Mr. Huston, “Karen has been a wonderful asset to Chester County and the region. Through her guidance, countless organizations have received a step-up where previously there may have been none.”