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INDIANA – After working for 26 years for Pace, with 19 years as the agency’s Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Bertha Proctor has announced her retirement. During her tenure, Bertha has transformed the agency into a national leader throughout the Community Action network.
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She has increased agency funding, expanded the service footprint, and created an organizational culture that will carry the agency successfully into the future.
On Friday, October 27th Pace will hold a retirement party to celebrate Dr. Proctor which will also be a time for the public to meet the next Executive Director. The event will be held at Highland Woods Community Center in Vincennes with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. a program at 6:30 p.m., and dancing from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
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All are invited, and RSVPs are requested to allow for a more accurate count for hors d’oeuvres.
On September 21st Pace’s Board of Directors voted to hire Tai Blythe as the agency’s new Executive Director, effective November 1, 2023. Blythe and Dr. Proctor will co-lead through January 5, 2024.
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A native of southern Indiana, Tai has been with Pace since 2006 and has served as Chief Operating Officer for over three years. In 2015 she became a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) which is part of the nationally recognized certification program among Community Action Agencies.
Blythe holds a master’s degree in Leadership Development and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is certified in Human Resources through SHRM and is a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Certified Facilitator. In her COO role, she currently handles agency communications while working within the Head Start and Energy Programs. Tai has also served the Community Action network providing training and consultation to other
Community Action agency staff throughout the country.
Dr. Proctor stated “Tai and I have worked closely together over the past 16 years, and I am ready to pass the baton to her and excited for Pace! I am confident that Tai, asvPace’s next Executive Director, will lead the organization to even greater heights in serving our communities.”
“We look ahead with continued commitment to our mission of providing support services that improve the community and encourage self-reliance,” added Dr. Proctor.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care to the Elderly (PACE) was implemented by the state of Indiana to provide quality community-based care for Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) members who: Are 55 years old or older. Are certified by the state to qualify for nursing home level of care.