The nonprofit 211 LA, which recently moved its headquarters to Pasadena, has tapped a civic leader from that city to lead its board of directors.
Katherine “Kate” Hennigan-Ohanesian, 44, will serve as president of the 211 LA board of directors, the information hub announced on July 13. The appointment marks a new chapter in her longtime service to the organization and the board, which she joined in 2019. During that time, Hennigan-Ohanesian chaired several committees and contributed to 211 LA’s strategic planning and organizational vision.
Her appointment comes at a meaningful time for 211 LA as the organization continues to serve as a champion in connecting Los Angeles County residents to support, especially during emergencies, officials said.
As an information resource from the L.A. wildfires to the recent Boyle Heights warehouse fire, 211 LA has helped residents navigate periods of crisis through 2-1-1, care coordination, disaster response, and community partnerships.
Maribel Marin, executive director of 211 LA, said Hennigan-Ohanesian understands both the complexity of Los Angeles and the responsibility that comes with serving its communities.
“She brings a thoughtful, steady presence to the board and a clear belief in the power of connection, partnership, and service,” Marin said.
In addition to her service with 211 LA, Hennigan-Ohanesian has more than two decades of experience in Los Angeles government affairs, communications, and consulting. She has helped organizations build relationships, navigate local government, and move projects forward in the region she calls home.
She was born and raised in Los Angeles, earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Loyola Marymount University and later received a master’s degree in international public policy and management from the University of Southern California.
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents more than two million people in Los Angeles County’s 3rd Supervisorial District, said Hennigan-Ohanesian’s personal connection to the county and proven devotion to giving back is an obvious strength.
“Across Los Angeles County, people need to know that when they reach out for help, someone will answer,” Horvath said. “For decades, 211 LA has been that trusted lifeline, connecting residents to the resources and support they need during life’s most difficult moments. Kate has dedicated her career to improving how government serves people, and I know she’ll lead 211 LA with the same commitment, compassion, and focus on ensuring every resident can get the help they deserve.”
For her part, Hennigan-Ohanesian said 211 LA’s mission is to serve and uplift communities, work with partners and elected leaders to advocate for resources that can be applied to services it provides for all Angelenos.
“This organization meets people in real moments of need,” she added. “Whether someone is searching for housing support, food, disaster recovery, or simply trying to understand what help is available, 211 LA helps people find a way forward.
211 LA was founded in 1981 and remains a resource navigation hub to connect county residents to health, human, and social services. Through its 2-1-1 information and referral line, online resources, care coordination programs, and disaster response work, 211 LA offers people support during everyday difficulties and times of crisis.
It was activated on June 19 by Los Angeles County, Office of Emergency Management to respond to the Lineage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, which erupted on June 17 and burned for eight days. 211 LA began taking calls from people impacted by the fire and providing referrals to purifiers, masks, food, and temporary emergency housing through a partnership with Airbnb.org.
Residents living in the affected area who still need assistance can complete a survey to connect with support: https://qrco.de/211LA-BH-Web
211 LA also offered human rights interventions and support during World Cup games in the city.