Mount Vernon News is publishing tributes from across the U.S. honoring the life of Karen Buchwald Wright, whose leadership and philanthropy touched countless lives and continues to shape her hometown of Mount Vernon. Wright, the longtime president, CEO and chair of Ariel Corporation, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at age 71.
"Karen Buchwald Wright has been a steadfast supporter of the education and preservation mission of Mount Vernon for decades. There have been numerous projects we could not have undertaken without her support. She was a champion of the American experiment, and we are grateful she was dedicated to promoting the legacy of George Washington. She will be missed." - Doug Bradburn, President & CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon
"Few women have lived with as much purpose, courage, and grace as Karen Buchwald Wright, who passed away yesterday, October 15, after a long battle with cancer. Her life was a testament to how one person can bless a nation if they are guided by faith, gratitude, and love of God, neighbor, and country. We are so honored to have Karen’s name in our event space, where thousands of our students and supporters have gathered to celebrate the values Karen cherished throughout her life. Join us in keeping her family in your thoughts and prayers today—her husband, Tom; her sons, Alex, Andrew, and Sam; and her grandchildren." - Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women on Facebook
"Saddened by the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright—a remarkable leader, philanthropist, and valued member of API’s Board of Directors. Her vision, generosity, and leadership left an enduring mark on our industry. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and the entire Ariel Corporation team." - Mike Sommers, President and CEO, American Petroleum Institute @mj_sommers on X
"With heavy hearts, the Archrock family joins many who celebrate the extraordinary life and impact that we so admire following the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright, former CEO and long-time leader of Ariel Corporation. Karen was a trailblazer in compression and a champion of innovation, integrity, and community. Under her leadership, Ariel became the world's leading manufacturer of reciprocating gas compressors, leaving a lasting impact on the global energy industry, the compression industry, and Ariel's many partners, including Archrock. Karen was a philanthropist who transferred her professional achievements into generous giving by investing deeply in local and national institutions, including support of education, healthcare, the arts, and local development in Ariel's hometown of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Her leadership has strengthened the community for generations to come. Our industry has lost a titan, the philanthropic world a beacon of generosity, our country a patriot, and her family an incredible daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Many of us have lost a friend." - Brad Childers, President and CEO of Archrock, on Facebook.
"The liberty movement, the nation, and the world are all poorer for having lost Karen Buchwald Wright. Jack Fowler's description of her life and unfailing commitment to the nation are well worth reading. Karen Wright, Fierce Friend of Liberty and, Above All Else, Mother. R.I.P." - Jason Hayes, director of Energy and Environment at the America First Policy @jasonthayes on X
"TEA mourns the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright, one of the most consequential Americans of our time. Her love for this country inspired so many of us, and we are committed to carrying forward her enduring legacy of patriotism and philanthropy." - The Empowerment Alliance @empoweringUSA on X
"Our world has lost another great person. A dear friend, a committed patriot, and a generous philanthropist, Karen Wright will be deeply missed." - Daniel J. Erspamer, CEO, Pelican Institute @rightwave on X
