Texas CASA was honored to host the first in-person New Executive Director University (New ED U) in September. Celeste Prather, Texas CASA’s Program Operations Director, brought together 13 Executive Directors from CASA programs all over the state for a full day of learning, networking and fun!
The goal of the 7-hour New ED U course is to provide Executive Directors with the tools needed for success in their role. During their session, they covered many aspects of operations, including Governance, Administration, Finance and Risk, Volunteer Management and Advocacy. The curriculum incorporated the requirements for the National and Texas CASA standards, the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), the Business Organizational Code and the Texas Family Code. Everyone’s favorite part of the day was the opportunity to have round table discussions on day-to-day operations and learn from each other.
“It is crucial for new EDs to connect with each other in a safe space in person,” Celeste states. “The opportunity to share info, documents and processes was the most powerful part and very inspiring to see.” Per recommendations from the attendees, Celeste is working towards facilitating quarterly in-person meet-ups for the New EDs in the future
A special shout-out goes to the Executive Directors who took the time to come spend the day with us! We hope to see you again very soon!
- Susie Clack, Graham-North Star CASA
- Rolanda Burns, Waco- CASA of McLennan County
- Kevin Kyle-Temple-CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties
- Justin DeLoach, San Angelo- Greater West Texas Children’s Center
- Liz Woods, Beaumont, CASA of Southeast Texas
- Michelle Cobern, Longview- East Texas CASA
- Jarah Mendoza, Amarillo- Amarillo Area CASA
- Haydee Herrerra, Hereford- Great Plains CASA
- Ashley Gomez, Mexia- CASA of Freestone and Limestone Counties
- Diana Aslin, Weatherford- CASA-Hope for Children
- Amanda Peppers-Alpine- Frontier CASA
- Amy Faulkner, Bryan, Voices for Children
- Kim Skidmore, Bonham- Fannin County CASA (via ZOOM)