By Meghan McCormick
The Center for Children and Families has named Katie Fitzgerald as its new executive director.
She will take over as the organization's director in January. Fitzgerald is the director of Women's Leadership Initiatives at the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center on the University of Oklahoma campus.
She replaces Linda Terrell who has accepted a position with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy in Oklahoma City
Fitzgerald said she applied for the job at CCFI for several reasons.
"What attracted me to want to work with the people associated with CCFI is that they have an incredibly strong board and they are extremely committed to the mission," Fitzgerald said.
She said the CCFI staff shares the same goals.
"The staff has a high commitment and they have people who have been there for decades," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald said the position as executive director is a chance to be part of a tremendous team of people committed to families.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them," she said.
Fitzgerald said she has met with Terrell on several occasions to make a smooth transition. Both have worked with each other in the past when Fitzgerald was the director of Oklahoma Afterschool Network at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy.
"We will continue to have a relationship," she said. "I know we will continue to work together on a shared vision to provide greater opportunities for children in Norman."
Fitzgerald said she feels the job is a chance of a lifetime to work with people and volunteers who contribute their time to CCFI.
"One of the most important things we can do is protect and nurture children," she said.
Terrell said she was thrilled to learn Fitzgerald will be her successor. Terrell's last day at CCFI is Dec. 17.
"I think she's going to be wonderful. I've worked with Katie ever since she moved to Norman in different capacities," she said.
Terrell starts work at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, in January. The agency is a statewide organization that advocates for children.
Terrell said she is in her 13th year at CCFI.
"I started in 1997, and I have seen this organization grow and flourish," Terrell said.
She said she will miss her friends and the staff at CCFI.
"I have truly enjoyed working in the community where I have raised my children," she said. "I'm going to miss everyone, that's for sure."
CCFI Board President Jennifer Newell said more than 50 people applied for the executive director position. Fitzgerald's background in social work helped her as a candidate for the job.
"We believed that she's got an excellent background and can bring the agency up to the next level," Newell said.
Newell said Fitzgerald recognizes the absolute talent of the current staff.
"She knows that we believe she is going to support them so that they can do their job and help the families of Norman and the surrounding area," Newell said.
Newell said when the board interviewed Fitzgerald, they asked her why she chose to apply for the executive director spot.
"Her answer was, 'It has been my dream to run an agency that centers around children and families,'" Newell said. "We think she's going to be a very good fit."
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
