The McMains Children's Developmental Center announced today that Renee Craft has been selected as the new executive director after a six-month long executive search.  Ms. Craft will succeed Janet Ketcham, who will retire August 1, 2013 after 37 years of service to the Center, 25 of which she was the executive director.

Ms. Ketcham led the McMains Children's Developmental Center through many changes, including increasing the types of innovative therapeutic services to children with disabilities such as Therasuit Intensive therapy and behavioral services.  Family and community programs like Capable Arts Camp and an annual canoe trip were also added under her leadership.  During her tenure, Ms. Ketcham helped lead a capital campaign that doubled the size of the existing building and increased therapy capacity, and also implemented a successful fundraising program that has included the annual Developing Dreams Breakfast.  Ms. Ketcham has also been recognized as an outstanding nonprofit leader and received the John W. Barton, Sr. Excellence in Nonprofit Management Award in 2004.  She served on the United Way Board of Directors from 2006-2009.  "For 25 years as executive director, Janet has touched the lives of countless children and their families through her vision, dedication and graciousness," said Michael McNulty, Board President.  "Her advocacy for the Center and for the children that we provide services to will be missed, and everyone affiliated with McMains wishes her the very best as she retires.

In reflecting on her years as executive director, Ms. Ketcham said, "It has been a privilege to work with talented, creative therapists and staff as well as dedicated board members and volunteers.  The valuable life lessons I've learned from the hundreds of children and families I've worked with at the Center have inspired me and will never be forgotten."

After an extensive executive search, Renee Craft has been selected as the new executive director.  Michael McNulty stated, "We are very excited that we have hired Renee to lead McMains into the future.  She has  a proven track record as a nonprofit executive director,  and is highly regarded by respected leaders in the nonprofit sector.  We look forward to a long, successful future with Renee as our new Executive Director."

"The McMains mission is close to my heart.  I'm privileged to join the team there to help make a difference in the lives of children with developmental needs," said Ms. Craft in a statement.  Formerly the executive director of the Rapides Children's Advocacy Center and CASA in Alexandria and HOPE Ministries in Baton Rouge, she most recently served as Annual Giving Officer at Woman's Hospital.  Ms. Craft is from Ruston.