Cantrell Announces Retirement As Bellewood President and CEO

After nearly a decade as Bellewood’s leader, Jerry Cantrell has announced that he will retire as President and CEO effective June 30.

“It has been my privilege to lead a team that has faced difficult challenges and met ever-growing human needs, worked through frustrating disappointments and achieved many successes,” Cantrell said.

“I’m proud of what this organization has achieved during my tenure, but I believe that it’s time for new leadership, fresh ideas and renewed energy to meet the challenges Bellewood faces in the next 10 years.”

Under Cantrell’s leadership, Bellewood has grown to serve more children and families across the state, expanded its operating budget and built a larger base of supporters and volunteers.

“Jerry assumed the helm at Bellewood during a challenging time in the organization’s history,” said Reed A. Farley, chairman of the Bellewood Board of Directors. “His commitment to vulnerable children, our Anchorage neighbors and our myriad supporters and donors across Kentucky helped Bellewood once again reach the level of performance, service and respect that makes us all extremely proud.”

Cantrell will remain an active volunteer for Bellewood and an advocate for improvements in child welfare policy in Kentucky. “I’m leaving my job at Bellewood, but I’m not leaving the Bellewood family,” Cantrell said.

Bellewood’s Board of Directors has put in place a transition plan to ensure the organization continues to provide excellent service to the abused and neglected children entrusted to its care, Farley said.

Brad Williamson, Bellewood’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, will take on additional responsibilities in day-to-day management during this time, assuming the title of Interim Chief Operating Officer.

The Board has hired an executive leadership search consultant, Ashley Rountree, to find Cantrell’s successor. The process is under way and is expected to take about four months.

“This is a time of significant change for Bellewood, but we are blessed with a strong professional staff, an excellent board and dedicated volunteers and supporters,” Farley said. “We are committed to continuing the level of excellence that has been our standard for more than 160 years.”