Next month, Deb Gerken, Executive Director at Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, will retire after 45 years of dedicated service to her community in northwestern Ohio and the Community Action Network.
Ms. Gerken started her career in 1975 as the senior programs director at NOCAC shortly after graduating from Adrian College. Over the following 13 years, she also served as child development director and planner before being named the executive director in January 1988.
“I’ve loved my job… it’s been a great ride,” Gerken shared with Ron Osburn of Bryant Times. “[Though] it’s time to let someone else expand their wings.” Gerken praised the management and fiscal teams at NOCAC and expressed confidence in the board’s selection of Angie Franklin to lead the agency after December 11th—her last day and 67th birthday. Franklin has served the community with NOCAC for 32 years, most recently as the community services director.
The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies thanks Ms. Gerken for her tireless work to help people throughout her community. We wish her well in her retirement!