Kristen Tim, executive director of CASA of McKean County, was elected president of the board of directors for the Pennsylvania CASA Association.

Electing Tim president of PA CASA is a testament to her knowledge of, passion for and commitment to the program, said Bob Esch, president of the board of directors of CASA of McKean County.

“Kristen’s ‘True North’ is defined by her passion and commitment to work for the betterment of the special children that CASA programs serve,” Esch said.

Additionally, Tim lead the search for a new executive director for Pennsylvania CASA, which resulted in the hiring of Jennifer DeBalko. DeBalko, who has 12 years’ experience with CASA, began her duties Jan. 9.

According to Tim, “Our committee, comprised of broad representation from the PA CASA board, is proud of the work we have done to get to this point and the final candidate we presented to the board. As Jennifer shared with our search committee, PA CASA is for the waiting child. There is no doubt that fewer children in our commonwealth will be waiting for a CASA with her at the helm of our organization.”

Pennsylvania CASA, together with national and local CASA programs like CASA of McKean County, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.

CASA of McKean County was established in late 2013, borne from an idea generated from that year’s Leadership McKean class. Tim, who had previously served as a CASA volunteer in Lehigh County, was hired as the CASA of McKean County executive director the following year.

CASA of McKean County will hold its annual meeting on Jan. 31 at the Bradford Club. The public is invited to the event, which will begin at 7:45 a.m. with a complimentary breakfast.