MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon and Knox County lost its most ardent supporter with the death of Karen Buchwald Wright on Thursday.
In a statement to the Ariel Corporation family on Thursday, Alex Wright said, “It is with great sadness that I report my mother, Karen Wright, passed away today. After a long and tenacious battle with cancer, she died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
“If you knew my mother, you know that she loved Ariel and everyone here. I could not possibly list the ways that all of us have benefited from her hard work, generosity, and leadership. We feel her loss deeply. More information on the funeral will be forthcoming. Take care of each other.”
“We are fortunate to have had the precious gem of Karen Wright with us for these years. God blessed us with Karen!”
knox county commissioner Bill pursel
In 2001, Wright became president of Ariel Corporation, the company her father, Jim Buchwald, founded in 1966. She turned over the reins as chief executive officer to her son, Alex, in 2021.
Generosity is the recurring word when describing Wright, 71.
“Her vision, leadership, and generosity will be seen and felt here for generations to come. There isn’t a place in the area you can go where some portion of her philanthropy hasn’t touched,” former Knox County Commissioner Thom Collier said.
“I don’t know of anyone in my lifetime who has had a more positive impact on our community than Karen Wright.”
A lasting legacy
Mount Vernon Mayor Matthew Starr met Wright when he was downtown manager for the Heritage Centre Association. Later, he worked with her through his production company, Iconn Video.
In an on-camera interview, Wright revealed her experience as a mom was what convinced her she was right for the job at Ariel when her parents decided to step down.
“Karen’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of this city. In particular she is felt in our schools, places of worship, the arts, community programs, the downtown, in many businesses, and most of all, in the hearts of those she touched,” Starr said. “She showed us what it means to lead with compassion and to give selflessly, even when no one is watching.”
Former Mayor Richard Mavis noted the positive impact of Wright’s leadership on Ariel Corporation.
“I am sure that plant has grown to the level of employment it has and its impact on the country and the world is due to Karen Wright. During the years she was in charge, it grew tremendously,” he said.
“She was a wonderful asset to the community and brought much recognition to the community. It’s a tremendous loss.”
In addition to expanding Ariel Corporation, Wright established the Ariel Foundation to further invest in downtown renovations.
Those renovations include The Woodward Opera House, the Grand Hotel, The Alcove, Hunter Hall, the former Buckeye Candy building, and the commercial and residential properties on the corner of Main and Gambier streets.
Mavis noted her interest in beautifying the community. Wright was a fierce advocate for the Mount Vernon Shade Tree Commission, supporting its sidewalk and tree planting programs, as well as Ariel-Foundation Park.
He cited other projects such as the B&O and CA&C depot renovations, Hiawatha Water Park, and The Station Break.
Wright leaves lasting impact on Knox County
“Karen’s death is a huge loss, but she has left a lasting legacy. You can see examples of her generosity everywhere,” former county commissioner Teresa Bemiller said.
Wright supported county projects, including funding half of the Central School building’s renovation for the Veterans Service Office and Board of Elections. She was also instrumental in upgrading the Memorial Building and theater.
“Karen has been a monumental support to the Knox County Commissioners and staff. We are saddened by her passing. Her leadership, guidance, dedication and joy to be a servant to improve our lives and to help us DREAM BIG has been world-changing,” County Commissioner Bill Pursel said.
“Her kind and generous contributions for the Memorial Theater upgrades, the MTVArts, and the regeneration of the Central School for the veterans and Board of Elections have made profound long-term impacts.”
“Our community will be eternally grateful to her and all she did for future generations.”
County Administrator Jason Booth
Bemiller said, “It was always clear she appreciated history and repurposing buildings. The Central School building is a perfect example.
“The land bank was particularly important to me, and the Ariel Foundation has believed in its vision and has been an important collaborator from the beginning. These are just a few county examples that will have a long-term impact. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
Wright leaves indelible mark on Knox County
Wright’s passion encompassed all things involving her hometown and ranged from health and exercise to politics.
“Karen loved to in-line skate and use the Kokosing Gap Trail. As such, she was a generous supporter of our volunteer efforts to maintain the trail. Karen loved the outdoor spaces, especially the trail,” close friend and former KGT board president Phil Samuell said. “I will miss her.”
“What a huge loss for our community. She’s a powerful example of someone who used her time to make a lasting, positive impact on so many lives. Her legacy as a business leader and philanthropist will continue to shape Knox County for years to come.”
Area Development Foundation President Sam Filkins
“Over the years, I had the pleasure of meeting with her on occasion regarding political issues and campaigns. She was extremely generous to many local elected officials, as well as the state and national level. Even significant investments in George Washington’s home in Mount Vernon, Virginia,” Collier said.
“Her investments were always for the betterment of our community. She could have lived and invested anywhere in the world, but she chose to be here because she loved Mount Vernon and Knox County. She loved the people, the beauty, and the history here,” Collier said.
Dr. Carson Castleman, president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, said MVNU “stands in solidarity with the broader Knox County community as we grieve the passing of Dr. Karen Wright.”
“Her departure has filled us with profound sorrow, yet we remain deeply appreciative of the enduring influence she had on both MVNU and the local Mount Vernon community,” he said.
“Dr. Wright’s elegance, benevolence, and steadfast affection for others have left a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. The impact of Karen’s actions will persist through the numerous individuals she impacted and the exemplary demonstration of altruistic dedication that she exemplified so exquisitely.
“We express gratitude for her life and the heritage she leaves behind, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones and companions during this period of mourning.”
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