Kalin’s Center Names New Executive Director
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT – Kalin’s Center board of directors announced a the hiring of new Executive Director Leanne Henson to head the center. Henson’s first day was Monday, Feb. 13.
Henson, originally from Conroe, is well known in Houston County after she moved her to be closer to her parents almost 20 years ago. She worked for a longtime in banking but became most known for her work with the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce and her work fundraising and serving on the Kalin’s Center board of directors.
Henson’s work with the chamber led her to be asked to help with some of the Kalin’s Center’s activities back in 2014.
“I did a lot of the fundraising like the raffles and stuff for the chamber banquet,” Henson explained. “So I was approached back then about helping with Kalin’s Center. I started helping with the raffles and then every year I would help with the ‘Boots and Bling’ banquets.”
Founded in 2001, Kalin’s Center is a non-profit organization providing a safe and child-friendly place for abused children to tell their stories. The complex is complete with interview and examination rooms including rooms with toys and even an overnight bedroom and bath if kids have nowhere to go temporarily.
While the forensic interviewers are trained to speak with the children and their families and assess difficult situations, the role of the executive director is all about the day-to-day running of the center. Financial issues, fundraising, policies, procedures – talents Henson learned getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and working in the banking industry for 17 years.
Her years on the Kalin’s Center board and helping to run its operations with other board members since October of last year have given her a unique perspective on how the center’s operations run. Even though others saw her as the most qualified for the job, Henson wasn’t thinking of that when the board began the search for a new leader.
“There wasn’t even a thought in my head about becoming the executive director,” Henson explained. “My thought was, ‘What do we need to do to keep us going? Let’s do the day to day.’ Over time after seeing it and doing it, I realized I am familiar with all these things. I knew I could handle doing this.”
Kalin’s board released a statement on their decision to give Henson the role.
“The board feels she will be a huge asset overseeing the general business of the Kalin’s Center and will play a vital role in the day to day operations. Leanne also exemplifies a strong commitment to the community and to the children we serve. The board is confident she has the necessary qualifications and experience to develop a strong foundation for Kalin’s Center and will build lasting relationships in Houston and Trinity Counties for years to come.”
Henson’s passion for her new position and the center itself are contagious and she realizes it is not often when your passion and such an opportunity come together in such a way.
“The more I think about it, this opportunity doesn’t come around very often,” Henson said. “This is something I am very passionate about and I care about. If you’re doing your job and it is something you are passionate about, you don’t get that chance very often.”
Henson recognized the great responsibility of heading up such a vital center which has helped so many children over its life. One of her main goals is to let people know exactly what the center does and how they can help.
“Many people know what Kalin’s Center does, but until they see it and really understand the work we must do here, they don’t really understand the gravity of it,” Henson said.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
