OHRC appoints new interim director

March 12, 2020 | 12:06 am

Updated March 11, 2020 | 10:07 pm

The Owensboro Human Relations Commission has named Jaklyn-Mahree Hill as its new interim executive director.

Hill, 25, who currently works as OHRC’s interim administrative assistant, will replace Joanne Kendall beginning April 1.

“I’m excited and a little nervous because any change of job is going to make you nervous,” Hill said. “But I’m confident that I can do this.”

OHRC board of directors voted Tuesday following a closed session to appoint Hill and to also dissolve her present position after she takes on the new job.

“It’s going to be more responsibilities,” Hill said. “But I think it’s going to be fun and exciting.”

Kendall, who is retired, said she is a little sad about leaving but had told board members that she wants to spend time more time with her grandchildren.

“They have treated me with respect. I will miss them,” Kendall said. “Human Relations has been a part of my heart and my heart will always be there.”

Kendall, who is a lifetime member of the NAACP and board chair of the Audubon Area Community Services, said she will still be active in the community in other ways.

Hill and Kendall’s position are the only two paid positions in OHRC, which currently has 11 volunteer board members.

Kendall said Tuesday that the Mayor’s office has approved two new volunteer members, and the board will vote to appoint them soon.

Eunice Taylor, who volunteers as president of the OHRC board, said the organization will be seeking to hire the permanent positions—executive director and administrative assistant—by July 1, which is the beginning of the OHRC’s new fiscal year.

March 12, 2020 | 12:06 am

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