Maryville, Tenn. – The New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center board of directors announced Thursday that Executive Director Trudy Hughes has accepted a new position with the East Tennessee Foundation in Knoxville. Hughes will start her new position as director of regional development at the East Tennessee Foundation in August 2013.
 
“As the executive director of New Hope for the past 10 years, Trudy has been a strong, courageous and diligent steward of children,” said New Hope Board President Ned Willard. 
 
“Her passion and hard work have established New Hope as an exemplary Child Advocacy Center at the local, state and national level,” Willard said.  “Blount County owes her a debt of gratitude for what she has accomplished, and we wish her well. Because of her stellar leadership, she leaves a committed and capable staff, who have helped establish the strong foundation that positions New Hope to continue to serve victims of child abuse in our community.”
 
For 28 years, service to children and the community has been a long-time commitment for Hughes as evidenced by her professional work and volunteer service. In her new role with the East Tennessee Foundation, she will use her experience, passion and talent to positively impact even more people and organizations across the state. 
 
“My philosophy for growing community businesses is, ‘it takes a village’,” Hughes said.  “Now 10 years strong, the New Hope ‘village’ of founding board members and board members since, volunteers and staff from past and present, Child Protective Investigative Team members and hundreds of supporters help ensure daily that we stay positive in our focus to provide protection and safety for our communities’ children.  New Hope will remain successful with maintaining and encouraging a positive forward-momentum – all through collaboration, partnership and supportive interactions.”
 
A committee is being formed to begin the search for the next executive director for New Hope, and interim operations are in place to ensure a smooth transition.  Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, résumé and three professional references by July 29, 2013, to [email protected].  
 
About New Hope – Blount Children’s Advocacy Center
New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is a friendly, safe place for child victims of sexual and physical abuse where multiple agencies and professionals convene to coordinate and deliver services in one place so the child only tells their story one time. New Hope is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance and also offers prevention and awareness programs such as the evidenced-based Stewards of Children. For more information about New Hope and the free services the Center provides, visit the website at www.blountkids.org.