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YWCA names Hokinson interim executive director

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Allison Hokinson

JANESVILLE — Allison Hokinson will lead the YWCA of Rock County until a new executive director is appointed.

"She knows the organization, is very passionate about what we're doing, and she knows the community," said Barb Boyd, YWCA board president.

Hokinson's new duties as interim executive director will be in addition to responsibilities as director of community relations.

The YWCA board, which named Hokinson interim executive director Monday, has organized a nine-member search committee to replace Kerri Parker, who announced in November she was resigning to accept a pastor's job at a McFarland church. Her last day was Dec. 3.

The committee has received more than 50 applications from as far away as California and Oklahoma, Boyd said. The application deadline is Friday.

"We got quite the response, but I'm glad we did," she said.

The search committee likely will select three or four candidates for the board to consider, Boyd said. The process might not be finished before spring.

"We want to make sure we have the right person that fits with the organization and that works well closely with our staff," Boyd said.

Hokinson job shadowed Parker two weeks before her departure.

"I'm here to make sure this well-oiled machine continues to run. We've reached major strategic goals within the last year, so I want to keep that momentum going," Hokinson said.

Hokinson is among the applicants for the executive director job.

"No matter the outcome, I love the work, and I'm passionate about the work," she said.

DIRECTORS NEEDED

The YWCA of Rock County is not the only nonprofit organization looking for a new leader.

Others looking for executive directors are:

-- United Way of North Rock County—Janine Peterson, vice president, is serving as interim president since Gail Graham resigned in November for family reasons.

-- Rotary Botanical Gardens—Gary L. Smith, chairman of the board, has been serving as interim executive director since David Jennings resigned in October.