CASA of the Fifth Judicial Circuit recently announced the hiring of local resident JoAnne Patterson. Patterson is the new executive program director for the non-profit, child abuse and neglect prevention advocacy group.

Said CASA Board President, “JoAnne (Patterson) has a history of leading various projects and had strong financial skills, which are an attribute needed to maintain and expand advocacy and prevention programs. In addition it is valuable that JoAnne has served as a court appointed special advocate.”

Patterson replaces Lora Smith who has maintained the position since January of last year. Smith is moving to Greenville, South Carolina. Although Smith’s last day is not until March 15, Patterson started her new position on Monday, March 1.

Patterson originally hails from Schenectady, New York. She moved to Ravenswood about four years ago and has made herself part of community service ever since.

The 22-year veteran of the Navy currently serves on the Ravenswood Planning and Zoning, Ravenswood October Fest and Ravenswood Building and Safety Committees. She also is a member of the Ravenswood Historical and the Carpe Diem Red Hat Societies.

Before landing the executive director position for CASA, Patterson had already volunteered in the organization for a year.

Said Patterson, “Because I was already with CASA I just wanted to do more. It’s just as simple as that.”

The director stated that she is looking forward to her new duties and has plans for fundraisers and activities for the community.

“We are looking at expansion. I’m pretty excited about that. We want to expand into Roane and Mason Counties. I would love to see it expanded into other counties, because there are so many kids that need CASA,” informed Patterson.

She continued, “We have a Comedy Night on May 15. This is brand new; we have never done that before. Michael Lee is a comedian in Oklahoma with Children on First and we are working on other entertainment and looking for sponsorship.”

Other events in the works according to Patterson are the Second Annual Jackson County CASA Classic Bike Ride on May 22, the CASA Ridin’ for Kids Motorcycle Run on October 2 and the Annual Christmas Gala on November 20.

Said Smith, “For only being here a year I’ve brought the program as far along as I can. I’m glad they are placing the program into capable hands.”

For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer or to sponsor a fundraising event call Joanne Patterson at (304) 373-1165.