On April 30, Shanda Hamilton will close her office door in the Mason County Justice Center for the last time.
Hamilton is retiring as director of the CASA Program of Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties, a position she has held since January 2014.
“Being the executive director of the CASA Program for Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties has been a blessing and rewarding position,” Hamilton said in a post on her Facebook page. “I have loved every moment of advocating for the children, working with all of the volunteers, community partners, board members, judges/previous judges, attorneys, and all those that has supported the program.”
During her tenure in the post, Hamilton oversaw the training of 72 CASA volunteers for the program which has served 814 children during that period.
Hamilton was awarded the Superhero for our Children award at the 2016 annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference. In 2019, she was named a Kentucky Colonel.
“Shanda’s retirement leaves a gaping hole to fill,” Board Chairman Brian D. Young said Wednesday, “She has provided the program and our region with impeccable service in her tenure. Shanda, even after announcing her retirement, works tirelessly to ensure CASA’s short-term and long-term success. Her drive for this program is rooted in her passion for the children which we serve. It is an understatement to say that we will miss her in this role.”
During her administration, Hamilton helped establish a clothing closet where foster children, who often leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back, find the clothing they need as they enter foster care.
“Shanda Hamilton will be missed,” said Kirby Wright, the program’s first executive director. “She has managed CASA with understanding, passion, enthusiasm and skill. As founding director of the program, which was initiated 20 years ago, I understand the importance and nature of this critically important child advocacy program and how crucial it is is for the children and families of our community. Shanda has maintained the integrity of the program and taken it to higher levels. I offer my sincere appreciation for those efforts and congratulations on a job well done. I join with the community in offering nothing but the best as she moves forward.”
“As the executive director of our local CASA program, Shanda Hamilton has been a strong and enthusiastic voice for children in the court system as a result of dependency, neglect and abuse,” said Kim Leet Razor, 19th District Court Judge. “As the CASA Program for Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties enters into its 22nd year of serving children and families in our community, I give credit to Shanda Hamilton and all of the past executive directors for the program’s success.”
“I am honored to work with the many CASA volunteers, staff, board of directors, court personnel, partners/supporters and all those whom I’ve met along the way,” Hamilton said.
Now begins the process of finding a new CASA leader.
“It’s obvious that finding a new executive director will be challenging, but not impossible,” Young said. “Our board wants to ensure that it’s a right fit for both the candidate and our program. We are confident that the mission and past success of CASA will gain the attention of many viable candidates. We encourage anyone that would meet the qualifications and that are zealous in helping children succeed apply.”
A job description and directions for applying for the position can be found on CASA’s Facebook page.
“We have an amazing team with our Board of Directors. Through the collective knowledge, experience and desire to see this program succeed; I’m sure that we will choose a new executive director that will compliment the vision, goals and direction that we desire to take CASA,” Young said.
Although Hamilton did not divulge all the plans she has for her future she did say family will come first.
“Looking forward to a new journey with the love of my life, Mark Hamilton,” she said.
For more information on the position or on becoming a CASA volunteer, check the organization’s website at www.casaforbrackenflemingmason.org or its Facebook page.
