Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director steps down

The executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Lisa Slavens, retired effective Oct. 29. Katie Davis, the former assistant director of the nonprofit, has signed on as her successor, according to a news release.

Slavens joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2000 and became executive director in 2003. She served on the organization's board of directors for three years before becoming the executive director.

“Lisa has been an invaluable asset to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks,” Eddie Lawrence, president of the board of directors, said in the release. “Her passion and commitment have been vital to the growth of our agency and the children we serve."

Under Slavens' leadership, the agency constructed the John P. "Jack" Heitz Center, merged with the Jasper/Newton County Big Brothers Big Sisters and helped to increase the nonprofit's service to more than 1,400 children annually, the release said.

Davis took her new position Nov. 1. She was an intern at the nonprofit in 2006, was selected as the special events coordinator in 2008 and served as the recruitment coordinator from 2007 to 2008.

BBBS officials could not be reached for comment before deadline.[[In-content Ad]]