By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Michelle Hines announced her retirement as deputy executive director of the Barren River Area Development Center after 33 years with the regional development agency.
“I was most honored to accept the Deputy Director position at BRADD. I loved this because I was able to be more creative and assist our clients in getting the services they needed,” Hines reflected.
Hines graduated from WKU with her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and in 1996 received her Masters in Organizational Communication while working full time
Originally, Hines started working for BRADD’s Development Council in 1989 as a Homecare Case Manager before transitioning to BRADD as an Aging Planner and Homecare Coordinator in 1991. In 2009 she was promoted to Associate Director of Aging, her most challenging position. Hines ran the agency’s Aging services division for 12 years. The Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living is BRADD’s social services unit that has both federal and state statutory responsibilities concerning Older Americans and those with disabilities. Most recently, in 2021, Hines became deputy executive director.
When asked what she enjoyed most about her time with the agency, Hines remarks, “The work I did helping people get needed services, and making referrals to other services in the community where they [the client] could remain at home as long as possible and out of institutional care.”
BRADD board member Steve Thurmond stated, “Michelle is one of those rare individuals who always thinks of others first. She is a combination of passion, compassion, sensitivity and empathy for those around her.”
Amy Carroll, BRADD’s Finance Director had this to say about Hines, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Michelle for 20 years. She has been a great supporter of the ADD and a mentor to me and numerous others that have come through our doors. Her willingness to serve has changed the lives of many throughout our BRADD region. I will miss her tremendously but wish her much happiness in her retirement.”
BRADD recently hosted a couple of recognitions for Hines, a retirement reception earlier this month and the presentation of a Congressional Record from Congressman Guthrie at the December board meeting. Hines, known for her fast pace throughout the agency’s building, also received a surprise on Friday, December 20th when the staff presented a Hallway Roar tribute to her, complete with a final march down the halls to the tune of Elvis Presley hits.
