Joe is a returning board member, who previously worked as Chief Operations Officer (and Executive Director) of Lyons Eye Bank.

Colonel Stith is deeply involved with OpalвЂ™s efforts to provide mobility assistance, and he has personally worked with dozens of seniors to provide mobility solutions. After a distinguished career in the US Air Force - and almost a decade as a public servant at the Defense Intelligence Agency - he moved to Kentucky, and joined OpalвЂ™s Dream Foundation in 2013. Colonel Bob вЂњScooterвЂќ Stith, USAF (Ret.), SecretaryД¬ontinuing a lifetime of public service as a board member of the OpalвЂ™s Foundation, Bob takes an active role in processing Dream Requests, and bringing them to fruition. Ken also serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity. Ken oversees our Annual Golf Tournament, and recently introduced the Thanksgiving Bourbon Raffle. Ken joined OpalвЂ™s team in 2013, and soon took on the role of Treasurer. Ken was one of the first sponsors of OpalвЂ™s dream foundation, moved to action by a compassion for the elderly which he shares with his wife he has since distinguished himself as an incredible asset to our organization. Pete was recently elected by the board of directors to serve as our next Board Chair, with his term beginning in November 1st, 2020. PeteвЂ™s passion and dedication to our cause is a source of inspiration, and a driving force behind our ever-expanding impact. Since 2017,В Pete has served as CEO on a volunteer basis, working tirelessly to leverage his wide experience toward the success of Opal's mission. Jerry was a graduate of the University of Louisville, and a veteran of the US Air National Guard.ДЄ volunteer since 2012, Pete joined the board in early 2013 he became our board's Vice Chair later that year.В Pete has worked for the Kentucky Lottery since 1989, where he is now Vice President of Sales. Stith Scholarship, which empowers JCTC students to pursue careers in senior care, was established in 2019. For his inspiring work, Jerry was recognized as a 2016 WLKY Bell Award Recipient.

Focused on community collaboration, and drawing on a deep well of compassion, he led OpalвЂ™s through a period of rapid growth - from serving one home in 2011 to over 90 homes by 2019. Despite being a prominent local business owner - overseeing 14 retail locations in Louisville & Southern Indiana - he volunteered 20+ hours each week. From that time forward, devoted himself to improving quality of life for seniors living in nursing homes. Always highly regarded among peers for his affability and compassion, JerryвЂ™s devotion to this cause was stirred during a 2011 visit to Highlands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he learned of Opal Grubbs вЂ“ and saw the plight of so many nursing home residents firsthand. OpalвЂ™s Founder and former Chairman provided the strategic vision and clear sense of purpose which guided our foundation for nearly a decade.

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