Epworth Village, a United Methodist ministry based in York, Nebraska, has a new permanent executive director.
The six-month search has been completed with the recent announcement by Dr. Nancy Dob, president of the Epworth Village, Inc. Board of Directors, of the hiring of Margaret Donovan of Eagle Butte, South Dakota. She began her new position as chief executive officer of Epworth Village on Sept. 8. She takes over for Harrietta Reynolds, who has been a commissioned United Methodist missionary since 1977.
Donovan previously served as executive director of Sacred Heart Center, which is located on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation in north-central South Dakota. Donovan directed the center’s services, which include four primary programs: child services, community outreach, family violence services and a thrift store. Sacred Heart Center services cover more than 4,707 square miles and includes some of the poorest, yet fastest-growing, counties in the nation.
A Nebraska native, Donovan was born and raised in Valentine. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and her juris doctorate degree from Creighton University Law School. Her professional focus has centered on children and families in crisis. She brings with her a wealth of experience working with at-risk youth and families. In addition, Donovan has worked within the framework of private, state and federal programs and in grant writing, which will bring a new level of expertise to Epworth Village as it continues to expand its services.
Epworth Village is a Christ-centered family services agency and project of the United Methodist Church since 1889. Epworth Village works to bring hope and healing to youth and families in a compassionate and caring manner. Programs include residential care, in-home family services, foster care training and support, transitional living and youth education through the Epworth Village Learning Center.
Dob said she is “very excited about the selection of Margaret Donovan, a very qualified and experienced professional. She will be an excellent fit, coming to us with a similar background in our services, yet with an expanded area of expertise. We are looking forward to Margaret’s energy and ideas as we continue moving forward with our team efforts and mission. We are so thankful for Harrietta’s leadership over the past year during our transition. She will be returning to her position as a United Methodist Missionary coordinating the Epworth Partners Program. Harrietta and her husband, Cliff, will be returning to their home in Beatrice after a transition period.”
A community open house to formally welcome Donovan to Epworth Village is in the works, with the date and time to be announced in the coming weeks.Resources