News

Kirkland hired to lead Literacy Council

By Steve Kirkland, Published: June 4, 2012

The Blue Ridge Literacy Council (BRLC) has hired Steve Kirkland as executive director, board chairman Jack McCarthy announced.

“Kirkland brings more than 27 years of development, community relations and nonprofit leadership experience to BRLC,” McCarthy said in a news release. “He has the background, relationships and skills needed to help the Literacy Council maximize our successes and make the next steps in our organizational evolution.”
Kirkland recently served as Chief Development Officer for Blue Ridge Community Health Services where he led efforts to raise $6.8 million for that organization’s new medical facility. Past positions also include Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County and roles with the Pardee Hospital Foundation, Mission Hospital and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to join the team of dedicated volunteers and staff who are so passionate about literacy efforts in Henderson County,” Kirkland said. “Low literacy rates negatively impact many socio-economic issues that can be addressed through the efforts of our caring tutors. It’s an honor to be a part of such mission-driven work.”
“The Board is eager to work with Steve to help ensure a strong base of financial support for our literacy programs, strengthen our volunteer base, and spread organizational awareness through community collaborations and branding,” McCarthy said.
The mission of Blue Ridge Literacy Council is to provide adults in Henderson County the English communication and literacy skills they need to reach their full potential as individuals, parents, workers and citizens. For more information or to donate/become a volunteer tutor, call 828-696-3811; write BRLC at PO Box 1728, Hendersonville, NC 28793; or visit online at www.litcouncil.org.