Tucker named interim director of senior center
The Board of Directors of the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County, the sole provider of senior services in Daviess County, has announced that David Tucker has taken over the role of interim executive director of the organization after the departure of previous executive director, Becky Barnhart, at the end of October.
Tucker has formerly served as the county aging coordinator for the senior center, and as a campus manager at the facility over his past five years with the organization.
"The Board of Directors thought that I would be the best candidate to help the senior center continue forward with the mission, and direction that Becky had helped to achieve since I've been working with her for the past four or five years, along with already having already established relationships with the representatives from GRADD," Tucker said.
The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) administers funds allocated by the Older Americans Act as part of a service contract.
Tucker said that he has learned how the center operates, all about the programs the center offers for area seniors and how the funding works to provide senior resources while working closely with Barnhart over the years.
"The board wanted to quickly designate a leader to continue the continuity and direction of the senior center, so that there would be no programming or service interruptions for our clients," Tucker said.
Tucker said that he's spent much of his time with the organization by learning through hands-on experience and working directly with programs such as Meals on Wheels to serve seniors in the community.
"Right now, I'm not focused on changing much as an interim executive director," he said. "I just want all of our clients to know that we've got the same mission and there will be no drops in programming while the board decides on a permanent executive director."
"But I also want the seniors to know that we're still dedicated to making the new senior citizen facility happen, and we're all actively working to achieve that goal."
Tucker, in addition to his role with the senior center, is also the lead practicing pastor at New Level Church of God on Cravens Avenue in Owensboro. He also has past experience working in higher education and with non-profit organizations. His education includes a diploma of biblical studies from Ames International School of Ministry, a bachelors of interdisciplinary studies from Western Kentucky University, a master of divinity and a doctor of philosophy in church history from Newburgh Theological Seminary.
In his spare time, Tucker also acts as Santa Claus in the community.
Tucker and his wife, Melissa, who also plays an active role in the church and at the senior center as a program assistant, have two teenagers, a son and a daughter.
"My kids love coming to the senior center and volunteering. Our son has helped out by teaching some classes with music and our daughter enjoys serving meals," he said. "I love that my family is passionate about being involved in the community as well."
Tucker said, "We have a strong team of employees who are very committed to serving the seniors of our community."
The senior center, in addition to providing daily programs and activities for the senior community, has served over 80,000 meals in the community via the Meals on Wheels program and through five congregate meal service sites around the county. In addition to meals, the organization also provides transportation and hosts activities such as Bingo, card playing groups, line dancing, mat and chair yoga, low impact exercise and crafting, among others.
