Executive Director

Kilgore Samaritan Counseling Center seeks a collaborative, experienced, and visionary leader to guide the organization through its next chapter of growth and deepened impact. Rooted in a mission to provide counseling services to all members of the community—regardless of their ability to pay—Kilgore has long been a trusted source of mental health and spiritual care in the Louisville area. In close partnership with a committed and well-connected Board of Directors, the incoming Executive Director will lead a dedicated team, shape organizational strategy, and steward Kilgore’s evolution with compassion, clarity, and purpose.

This is a pivotal moment for Kilgore. Following the passing of founder and longtime supporter Betty Gibbs in fall 2024, the Board of Directors reaffirmed their commitment to Kilgore’s sustainability and to chart a bold course for the future. With a newly adopted strategic plan, the incoming Executive Director will be well positioned to drive growth centered on expanded services, renewed community partnerships, and greater visibility across the region.

Kilgore plays a critical role in expanding access to mental healthcare, particularly as one of the few providers in the region that accepts Medicaid. To ensure long-term financial sustainability and to continue serving a diverse client base, the organization must pursue a more balanced payer mix that includes both Medicaid and private-pay clients. In addition, increasing Kilgore’s visibility will be essential to reaching new clients and engaging new funding and referral partners.

Kilgore has benefited from the long-time generosity of individuals and foundations, but donor relationships have not been actively stewarded in recent years and will require thoughtful reengagement. The organization’s outcomes are largely anecdotal; the next leader will have the opportunity to implement systems that better measure impact, enhance accountability, and clearly communicate the value of Kilgore’s services to stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring a PhD or PsyD and a track record of effective nonprofit leadership, with strengths in financial management, board relations, and organizational development. They will be a self-starter with a passion for expanding access to high-quality, faith-informed mental healthcare, and will work closely with the Board of Directors as it continues its transition from a founding board to a governing board.

The Executive Director will be instrumental in activating the Board of Director’s connections, strengthening relationships with churches and community partners, and cultivating a network of supporters who share a commitment to Kilgore’s mission and long-term success.

Key Position Functions

The Executive Director at Kilgore provides strategic, visionary leadership for the organization and oversees day-to-day operations in partnership with a talented team, committed board, and a network of engaged stakeholders and community partners.

The Executive Director will:

• Lead implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, with a focus on maintaining and expanding the organization’s core services to meet urgent community needs, ensuring operational effectiveness, and elevating the organization’s profile to referral partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee a staff of six, with three direct reports including the Clinical Director, Administrative Assistant of Finance, and Receptionist.
• Ensure operations, including service delivery and fundraising, align with the organization’s mission and strategic purpose.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and potential organizational supporters and partners including individual donors, foundations, civic and government leaders, and church representatives.
• Elevate the organization’s visibility and educate the community about Kilgore’s mission and impact.

Vision and Strategy: Building on the recently completed strategic plan, operationalize a strategy for Kilgore’s future and mission. Seek and understand input and objectives of the community, board, staff, and other key stakeholders. Anticipate future needs and developments for the organization. In collaboration…