BY KATE EVANS
Joel Tuttle has confirmed his resignation as Executive Director of Senior Life Services of Morgan County, effective May 1. He has said he will leave the post to pursue other endeavors.
Tuttle, who is president of the Morgan County Commission, told Senior Life Services board members at a March 29 meeting that he was leaving his position. He said he would go into the insurance business and also work with his father-in-law Wayne Omps on senior housing projects, said board member Isaac Bohrer.
Tuttle has been Senior Life Services executive director for since March 17, 2004. He began working at Senior Life Services of Morgan County as finance manager on April 29, 2002.
“I have dedicated over 15 years to this wonderful organization and have made so many friends and created so many memories. I cannot thank the Board of Directors enough for the opportunity they afforded me and the support they gave me over the years but it is time to pass on the torch to someone who’s passion for our mission will take this organization to new heights. I will continue to advocate on the agency’s behalf in any way that I can,” Tuttle said in a written statement.
Senior Life Services financial director Tammy Kees was appointed by the board to fill in as executive director until a new executive director can be hired. Tuttle will be staying on to help with some projects such as grant applications, Bohrer said.
Bohrer said that Tuttle has done a very good job and is well-educated on all the grants and getting new vehicle replacements. Tuttle will be hard to replace with what he knows about the state and senior services, he noted.
Bohrer said senior center board members will advertise for the position in a couple of months to save on Tuttle’s salary to help the agency financially. Bohrer and current board vice-chairperson Brenda Hutchinson will help Kees with operations during the transition.
Hutchinson, who was previously board chairperson, stepped in to help with last Thursday’s special board meeting that was called due to Tuttle’s resignation.
Hutchinson said that she’ll sign whatever needs to be signed and will bring anything special that comes up to the board. Larry Barney is currently board chairperson.
Hutchinson said the board will reevaluate its financial position in a couple of months before advertising for the position. Bohrer said they will advertise in newspapers in different areas, will interview the best candidates and will select the best person for the job.