A 'Cool' change comes to Northeastern Indiana CASA
November 5, 2018
Kirby Cool is pictured along side former executive director Kristi Bachman as Cool was introduced as the new executive director. Bachman retired after 13 years of service.
ALBION — After 13 years of leadership, Northeastern Indiana CASA has a new executive director - Kirby Cool.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Cool said. “I know that there is a precedence here and an expectation to keep the momentum going. I’m excited and looking forward to getting started.”
Former Executive Director Kristi Bachman announced in August that she would retire at the beginning of November after 13 years of service. Cool was recently announced as Bachman’s successor and was formally introduced at the nonprofit’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner in October.
“She going to be a great asset to this organization,” Bachman said of her successor. “She brings a new energy and her own ideas and perspective. I think that’s exciting and she’s just what we were looking for.”
Cool comes to Northeastern Indiana CASA after having served with the United Way of DeKalb County. An Auburn resident, Cool has a bachelor’s degree in human services from IPFW, and is self-described as “passionate about lost causes.”
Kirby Cool recently took over as the executive director for Northeastern Indiana CASA.
“I don’t give up on troubled situations,” Cool said. “I’ve always been drawn to circumstances that need help and hope. I knew Kristi from working with CASA through the United Way, so it seemed like a good move for me."
Kirby Cool recently took over as the executive director for Northeastern Indiana CASA.
Cool joins the nonprofit with a wealth of help and experience behind her in the numerous volunteers, board members, staff and supporters. In the five counties Northeastern Indiana CASA serves, relationships have been forged with judges, law enforcement and court personnel, which will continue to serve the children represented by CASA volunteers as they navigate court and judicial proceedings.
“Kirby is really lucky to have such a great group of people to work with,” Bachman said. Cool quickly replied, “I am so glad to have people who will help me get situated in this new role and can help make this transition really smooth.”
Bachman and Cool worked alongside each other for weeks leading up to Bachman’s last day. Doing so offered another layer of comfort for Cool.
“Kristi has been so great and very helpful,” said Cool. “She’s told me to call her if I get stuck. She’s always giving, even after she’s retired. I know that this organization means so much to Kristi and to the volunteers, and especially the children we serve. It’s exciting to be here, but I feel honored to get to be part of this group’s future. There’s a lot to do and I am ready to tackle it.”
Cool and staff members are already planning a volunteer training session for early 2019. Interested community members that may want to consider volunteering should visit www.neincasa.net to complete an online application. For more information about Northeastern Indiana CASA, visit the website or call 260-636-6101 or email casa@neincasa.net.