Youth Town Board Names Pepper Pratt as New Executive Director
Jackson, Tenn. (PRWEB) November 01, 2013 -- The Youth Town Board of Directors hosted a reception on Friday, Nov. 1, honoring the service of Nick Pappas and announcing the appointment of Dr. Pepper Pratt as executive director of the nonprofit. In August Pappas announced that he would begin a new role as a regional ambassador after more than two decades as executive director of the organization that helps young men battle addiction. Pratt, a native West Tennessean, was selected after a board committee reviewed dozens of resumes from around the country and interviewed top candidates. Pratt will begin his duties on Nov. 11.
A licensed professional counselor (LPC) and mental health service provider, Pratt has been owner/president of Lifeworks Behavioral Health for 21 years. He also has served as an assessor at Lakeside, a partner in Creekside Center for Depression and TMS and an adjunct professor at Union University. From 1998 to 2002, Pratt was involved with Youth Town and Pathways as director of programs, providing counseling supervision, staff administration and direct clinical services.
Pratt received a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary. He also received a Master of Science in Counseling from The University of Memphis, a Master of Arts in Christian Education in Family Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Union University. He served as pastor for Spring Creek Baptist Church, director of pastoral services at Pine Point Center and family therapist for HCA Regional Hospital’s ReDiscovery Unit. Pratt has filled several other ministry roles for other churches, also.
In speaking of his new role, Pratt said, “Since 1962 we have watched God use Youth Town and other organizations here in West Tennessee as allies in an epic battle for the hearts of children and teens who are hurting. I am deeply honored to become a part of the rescue mission for adolescents at Youth Town, seeking to offer professional expertise and lead the way in caring for children who are so special to the heart of God. I especially thank Nick Pappas, who has been like a dad to me and countless others, for many years of visionary and passionate leadership. I am also grateful for an enthusiastic and supportive board of directors and can't wait to get started!”
Youth Town is accredited to provide residential treatment services, services for substance use conditions and wilderness and therapeutic outdoor services for young men. For more information, visit http://www.youthtown.net.
Dawn Bramblett, Bramblett Group, http://bramblettgrp.com, +1 731-608-7650, [email protected]
Share this article