Kathy Simon Abels, Ph.d. earned a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in 1985 and had her own private practice for almost two decades. In 2002, she pivoted into the non-profit world, establishing the Simon Family Foundation alongside her father and brother, and becoming the Founding Executive Director for the Simon Scholars Program. Simon Scholars is a unique and intensive scholarship program that is designed to develop college-educated leaders from difficult backgrounds who go on to make a positive impact in their communities. Under her leadership, the Program evolved and is now currently awarding scholarships to 200 deserving high school sophomores each year.

Kathy “retired” from her position as Executive Director of Simon Scholars, but is still highly involved with the Foundation, serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and developing a new Grant making branch. She will also be serving as a Board member on the Chapman University Board of Governors, starting her term in the Fall.

In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband Ed and their two Labrador Retrievers, her 5 adult children and her 6 1/2 grandchildren. She is also passionate about travel, playing pickleball, skiing, and attempting to create art.