After 15 years as the Executive Director at Judi’s Place for Kids, Laura Kretzer has decided to resign to assist children advocacy centers statewide.

According to a release from Judi’s Place for Kids, Kretzer will soon begin a new position as director of strategic initiatives and programming for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky.

Long-time forensic interviewer and assistant director Pamela Taylor will serve as interim executive director until the board of directors concludes an executive search.

During her time as Executive Director at Judi’s Place for Kids, a non-profit organization who yields services to neglected and abused children, Kretzer has led the organization to provide investigative and healing services to thousands of children and their families in their five-county service area, which includes Pike, Floyd, Martin, Magoffin and Johnson counties.

Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its staff and building, achieved national accreditation, added a satellite location in Prestonsburg, established the CASA of Eastern Kentucky program and established a facility dog program.

“I’m truly thankful for the amazing opportunity to serve the community in this role for so many years. It’s only been with incredible contributions from community partners, staff members, volunteers, and the whole community that the program has been able to serve the children, and that’s what it’s all about,” states Kretzer.

“We have been fortunate at Judi’s Place for Kids to have had the expertise of dedicated people throughout our history who truly believe in making a difference in children’s lives.  While this is a loss for our center, we are excited for Laura and her new opportunity and wish her the best,” President of Judi’s Place for Kids Board of Directors Sheila Belcher said. “In addition, her new position at the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky will enable Laura to continue to support Judi’s Place for Kids in its growth and development, as they assist all child advocacy centers in sustainability across the state.”

For more information on helping the children in the community struggling with abuse, visit the Judi’s Place for Kids website at www.judisplace.org. 

Kretzer will continue as the Executive Director at Judi’s Place for Kids until August 14.