PACES Executive Director Judi Rodman announced in April that she would be stepping down to take another job outside of Wyandot Inc.’s family of organizations.
But her position was quickly filled. On May 8, Wyandot CEO and President Randy Callstrom announced that Clarice Podrebarac, of Crosswinds in Emporia, would take the helm at PACES.
Less than a week later, Clarice was on the job, while Judi stayed on board for another month to help with the transition.
In a message to staff, Randy thanked Judi for her 12 years of leadership.
“She has contributed in countless ways to the quality of care for kids and families and in the development of PACES,” he said. “And even more importantly, Judi has touched so many and helped them grow – by simply being herself. Her passion, vision, spirit, and friendship will be missed.”
Randy said that although it was not possible to “replace” Judi, he is confident that “Clarice will fill her role with PACES in remarkable ways, and that PACES is in very, very good hands.”
Clarice has spent her entire behavioral health career at Crosswinds, the community mental health center serving the Emporia region. She has been a case manager, therapist, and CBS director overseeing children’s services. She most recently served as the agency’s development director.
In addition, Clarice has family ties to Wyandotte County. Her parents grew up here. And she is the second cousin of Wyandot Inc., board member Rosemary Podrebarac, a fact she discovered after she was hired.
In other words, Clarice is familiar with Wyandotte County, but she’s eager to dive even deeper into the community in the weeks and months to come.
“I’m really excited to get to learn more about Wyandotte County and to represent PACES and Wyandot Inc., well,” she said. “And to just make PACES a really good place to work and a great place for families to come here and receive services for their children.”