Lori E. Zakel, Ph.D., joined the Community Health Foundation board in October of 2022; she chairs the DEI committee which focuses on health equity. Lori stated “I’m happy to be able to help the community’s health efforts through my CHF board service. I’m particularly interested in CHF’s diversity,equity and inclusion efforts and I’m committed to maintaining focus on the health needs of our community in an equitable and inclusive way.”
Lori grew up in Dayton and is a graduate of Wilbur Wright High School; she also has degrees from Sinclair Community College, the University of Wyoming, Antioch University, and the University of Dayton. She spent most of her career at Sinclair Community College, serving first as a faculty member, then Department Chair, Dean, Associate Provost, and most recently returning from retirement for a short stint as Interim Provost and Vice President for instruction. She also recently completed service as a consultant for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges.
Lori has served in a variety of volunteer capacities, including: the board of the Miami Valley Academy of Music, Chair of the Clark County 4-H Dog Program, member of the Ohio State Fair 4-H Dog Committee, President of the Springfield Pickleball Association, pickleball instructor for United Senior Services, emcee for the Ohio State Fair Dog Show, and she’s currently a board member of the Sinclair Community College Foundation and United Senior Services.
Lori and her husband, Mark Knowles, live in Springfield Township and enjoy gardening on their small farm, where they raised their two daughters, who attended Shawnee High School.