NEWS FROM:
Scott County Partnership, 752-6365
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Scott County Partnership Board of Directors has announced the retirement of Jene Bridgewater as the executive director. She will be succeeded by Katrina Coryell. The Partnership, a nonprofit organization in existence since 1995, is an anchor for community collaboration to promote a better quality of life and improve the overall wellness of our neighbors.
Jene Bridgewater has served the Partnership for over 20 years, having been hired as the Family Resource Center Director in 2002 and then the Executive Director in 2010. Under her leadership, the number of staff has grown, numerous programs have been implemented, and over $9.4 million was brought to Scott County in grants and income. Programs have included AmeriCorps, Clearinghouse, Adult Learning Center, substance abuse prevention, after-school programs, Summer Youth Lunch programs, Covering Kids and Families health insurance navigators, tobacco prevention/cessation, a multitude of school-based life skills and prevention programs, juvenile probation, and much more.
“For all our problems, this county has many amazing individuals working to help Scott Countians live their best lives,” said Bridgewater. “I am honored and privileged to have worked and served alongside many of these folk. I’m thankful for the people with whom I worked within Scott County and with those folks at the state and national level who have supported us through many challenges.”
“The best thing about Scott County is our willingness to work together to address problems,” continued Bridgewater. “Collectively, the schools and other entities working in the 2000’s were able to substantially raise graduation rates in this county. In the past seven or eight years, we came together to address the HIV crisis in our community. Nationally, we are viewed as a model for communities in recovery. I wish all Scott Countians could hear the accolades from our colleagues in other parts of the nation. We have a long way to go on many issues, but we’ve accomplished much as well. I’m proud of the work that many of us have done and will continue to do in the future. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had as I enjoyed a “ring-side seat” as director of the Scott County Partnership. Thank you, Scott County!”
Bridgewater plans to spend retirement visiting her new great-niece in Kansas City, as well as more time with her husband, Bruce. She is also going to be a “spiritual companion,” one who helps others see how God is working in their lives and sits with them on the journey.
New Executive Director Katrina Coryell brings a diverse work background to the Partnership. She has worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She as an associate of science degree in accounting, a bachelor of science degree in management, and a master of arts degree in human services counseling. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Seymour, and will celebrate their 30th anniversary in June. They have three adult sons and two small dogs.
She was the past president and is the current secretary of the North Vernon Rotary Club. She has held various volunteer positions in the community, but enjoys working most with her local church. “I really enjoy nonprofit work the most because I love helping people!” shared Coryell.
“I look forward to learning and working with the Partnership. I would love for it to grow and expand programming even further! There are so many caring, helpful people in Scott County. I’m looking forward to working with them and serving those who need help. Thank you for giving me a chance to lead the Partnership. It is truly an honor to be here!”
“We are so grateful for the years of leadership that Jene has brought to the Partnership and our community,” said Scott County Partnership Board President Lauren Perryman. “While we know we could never replace her, we set out to find someone who could carry the mission forward and bring new growth to the agency. We feel confident that Katrina is the right fit to do just that and are excited for the future of the SCP under her leadership.”
The Scott County Partnership’s vision is for Scott County to be a thriving and inclusive community where residents have the health, education, and financial resources to live their best lives. For more information, visit scpartnership.org, email katrina.coryell@scottcountypartnership.org or call 812-752-7365.