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Message from the Chair of the Board

Boys and Girls Country is beginning a new chapter in its history. After over 13 years as Executive Director, Shirley Wright has departed. She leaves a legacy that is perhaps best summed up by the plaque presented to her by the Board of Directors that read: “The great ones define their calling and set the standard for those who follow. You have done that for us and we will be forever grateful.”

So, while children will miss her, and staff will miss her, and the Board and all the friends of Boys and Girls Country will miss her – we are determined not to fail in meeting the standards she has set for us. So we must simply pause to wish Shirley God’s blessing and our encouragement as she goes off to make the world a better place in another place.

Elaine Petranek, our outstanding Director of Development for the last 11 years, agreed, at the request of the Board, to step in as Interim Director. Elaine was just the right person to fill this role. She is loved by our kids. She has the support and loyalty of an outstanding administrative staff. She has the respect of our amazing group of dedicated houseparents. And, she has played an important role in helping Shirley set those standards. Elaine has seen us seamlessly through the last two months of transition and we owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude.

We have great news in the announcement that Mr. Lou Palma has joined us as Executive Director of Boys and Girls Country. Lou Palma -- known to the kids as “Mr. Lou,” has over 30 years experience in residential care. He has visited our campus -- twice -- and he attended our Awards Banquet. He was blown away by our kids and our highly dedicated and professional staff. He knows we have an amazing program, and calls us a “gem.”

 Lou began his career 35 years ago at Father Flanagan’s Boys Home and spent 24 years there, where he served in every role from direct service delivery to Program Director, Regional Director, and Director of Admissions. He comes to us most recently from Las Vegas, Nevada where he has worked as the Manager of Child Welfare Services for the Clark County Department of Family Services. Lou has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree in Human Development and Family Life from the University of Kansas.

We ask all of our great volunteers and supporters to join the Board and the staff in welcoming Lou to Boys and Girls Country, and to help and support Lou as he works, not just to maintain our standard, but to set the bar even higher.

I thank all of you, who do so much for our kids,

Mike Gatewood
Chair of the Board