After five years as Chief Executive Officer, Richard L. King will retire from Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center (Annie Malone) , one of St. Louis’ cornerstone social service agencies. After spending more than 34 years in social services as Executive Director at Catholic Services for Children and Youth, George Washington Carver House, and Providence Program, Inc., King departs to pursue other lifelong interests.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Annie Malone’s staff, clients, donors and partners over the past five years and look forward to seeing Annie Malone soar with success under new leadership,” King said. “It is a bittersweet decision for me to make after five years at Annie Malone, but I believe both the center and I would benefit from new opportunities. My retirement in no way reflects on the operating performance of our programs or financial integrity of Annie Malone.”
King will be replaced in the interim by Annie Malone’s current Chief Operating Officer, Angela L. Starks.
Starks brings 30 years of significant experience and knowledge in program management, counseling and therapy, event planning and development for Annie Malone. She has seen hundreds of children and families served through the center’s residential, crisis, transitional living and therapeutic school to name a few. Starks has weathered several social service woes and remains passionate about the overall success of the center. “I am hopeful that as this season ends it brings forth new beginnings,” Starks said.
Although, the center’s current programs and services remain the heart of Annie Malone, Starks looks forward to offering a variety of community-based programs, including after-school youth and job training programs.
“It’s a great time to re-plant our seeds,” Starks said. “Our goal is to continue to be the pillar in our community but there are some old and new strategies that we will evaluate to ensure the best possible outcomes for the future.”