FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2026
CINCINNATI—Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky has welcomed Dr. Laura Allen, a born-and-raised Northern Kentuckian and researcher in the field of aging, as its new Director of Development. Dr. Allen joins a development and marketing team to advance the nonprofit’s mission of delivering essential services that promote seniors’ independence and well-being. She started in her role last month.
Most recently, Dr. Allen completed research as Project Director for the Kenton County Aging Readiness Plan—a five-year roadmap of practical strategies to strengthen long-term care and caregiving, housing, transportation and community connection for older adults in Kenton County. The project is rooted in community development with research led by the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the Northern Kentucky Area Development District.
“Our community has already benefitted from Dr. Allen’s work in the field of aging. As one of the leading senior service providers in the region, Meals on Wheels is lucky to have Dr. Allen guiding our development efforts and cultivating a culture of philanthropy,” says Meals on Wheels Chief Advancement Officer Justin Beale.
Says Dr. Allen, “This organization is growing, and it is rising to meet the moment. One of the most important things I learned in my last position was the economic impact of aging services like Meals on Wheels. Supporting older adults to stay at home for longer not only serves the individual client, but it creates a ripple effect across our entire community—from reducing the strain on our healthcare system to the neighborhoods, organizations and local businesses that benefit when older adults remain active, independent participants.”
Dr. Allen completed her Ph.D. in Integrated Social Sciences at Bar-Ilan University, Israel as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie grantee and early-stage researcher within the EU Horizon 2020 EuroAgeism network, where her research focused on ageism. As a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar at Windesheim University, Netherlands, she explored Dutch long-term care administration and resident autonomy. Dr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Western Kentucky University, with a minor in gerontology and a certificate in long-term care administration. She grew up in Crittenden, Kentucky.
About Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY
Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky is a leading senior service provider in Greater Cincinnati. Our mission is to deliver essential services that promote the independence of seniors so they may remain in the comfort of their own homes. We provide home-delivered meals, congregate meals, social and protective services, transportation services, pet support, social connection programs and management of the OTR Senior Center. Every year, we reach nearly 11,000 seniors throughout our 13-county service area, producing 1.2 million meals and providing comprehensive services that combat social isolation, loneliness, hunger and malnutrition. We’re fueled by a team of 140+ employees and a growing community of 5,700+ volunteers. We are an official member of Meals on Wheels America, and our regional organization is one of the largest in the country. We are funded in part by the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio and the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. Our Board of Directors includes 19 community leaders, with Mary Wagner as Chair and Andy Sathe as Vice Chair. Visit: muchmorethanameal.org. Connect: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Media Contact
Natalie Koking, Director of Marketing & Communications
Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY
nkoking@muchmorethanameal.org
Office: 513-244-5481 Cell: 937-825-3400