“The board would also like to thank Valerie Keller for her many years of service to the organization and her guidance helping the Outreach Center become what it is today.  As Valerie moves on to another phase of her life we wish her the best and know that she will always be connected to our organization and the Acadiana community.”

Keller will serve as a consultant for the organization as she pursues her MBA at Oxford University in the U.K. “I’ve been tremendously honored to work alongside people from all walks of life who share a common purpose: to improve our community,” outgoing CEO Keller said. “As we enter our next evolution as a social enterprise, I have such confidence that Rick’s specialized background combined with a dedicated board of diverse business and civic leaders is exactly the right mix of skills and passions we need at this time.”

Prior to joining the Outreach Center, Newton worked in various capacities at Rivendell Behavioral Health Services in Arkansas for 11 years, most recently as CEO. He and his wife of 37 years, Jeannie, have two grown children and are moving to Lafayette from Little Rock, Arkansas. "I am honored to have the privilege and opportunity to become a part of the Outreach Center’s mission -- a remarkable history of meeting people’s needs in ways that affirm their dignity, helping them on their path to self-sustainability, and strengthening the community. I am eager to work with our staff, our many volunteers and supporters as the Outreach Center continues to build on the solid foundation that has been laid so far," incoming CEO Newton said.

Valerie Keller, Consultant