epworth children & family services
The nonprofit, which is dedicated to helping at-risk and in-need children and families, announced that April Elston will step into the role of CEO at the start of 2023. Currently, Elston is serving as Epworth’s COO. She succeeds Michael Panicola, who announced he would be stepping down in November. Panicola served as CEO for more than three years, increasing the organization’s net assets by more than $10 million and growing programs.
casa of st. louis
The foster care organization named Rebecca Dell supervisor of case advocacy. She will work with up to 30 CASA volunteers as they gather information, build relationships and make informed recommendations to the court about what is in the best interest of children in the foster care system.
A Webster Groves native, Dell previously served as program coordinator for Youth & Family Services in Summit County, Colorado.
psychological associates
The behavioral health consulting company appointed Clay Hildebrand as CEO. He replaces Dr. Robert Lefton, who passed away in October. Since 2018, Hildebrand has served as the company’s president, and prior to joining Psychological Associates in 2009 as vice president of sales, he worked at Maritz for 14 years. His new responsibilities include implementing strategy, managing stakeholder relationships and driving company culture.
friendship village senior services
The senior living organization named Stacey Zerban vice president for health services—a role created specifically for her. With more than 20 years of senior living and nonprofit experience, Zerban has served as Friendship Village’s skilled nursing and rehab administrator since 2016. In her new position, she will support the leadership team in its resident care initiatives, looking for new opportunities to incorporate programs that improve the wellness and quality of life for residents across all continuums.
united way of greater st. louis
David Garris is the organization’s new vice president of philanthropy. He brings more than 15 years of experience in development roles and an extensive background in charitable estate planning, donor prospecting, research and analytics, data and metrics tracking and reporting, volunteer management and recruitment. Most recently, he served as foundation director and director of philanthropy for HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
st. louis blues
The hockey team has brought on Roger Hacker as vice president and chief communications officer. He brings 22 years of team, corporate and public relations agency experience to the position, having spent the last nine years working with the San Francisco 49ers. In this new position, Hacker will oversee all aspects of communications related to the Blues hockey operations and serve as the team’s lead liaison with local, national and international media. His team also will be responsible for developing and executing the organization’s communications efforts around business operations, community initiatives and all programming for Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre.
