The board of directors of the United Methodist Children’s Home is announcing the appointment of Dr. K. Blake Horne as the agency’s new President/CEO effective May 16th, 2012.
“I am truly humbled to have the privilege of serving the children and families of Alabama and northwest Florida through the United Methodist Children’s Home,” said Horne. “My first counseling-related position was with the Methodist Home for Children and Youth of the South Georgia Conference. Leaving to further my education was a very difficult decision, as I don’t believe I have ever felt the presence of Christ more in my work. The United Methodist Children’s Home has a rich history of following the example of Christ by caring for all God’s children, and an even more promising future. I look forward to traveling extensively throughout these great conferences of United Methodism to tell the compelling story of a ministry that stole my heart many years ago.”
A native of Hawkinsville, GA, Dr. Horne has served as the Executive Director of The Samaritan Counseling Center since it was founded in 1999 by First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. Under his leadership, The Samaritan Counseling Center has grown from its very beginnings into one of the largest private providers of mental health services in Alabama, extending the ministries of congregations by providing approximately 8,000 hours of counseling, mediation, and educational services to children, adolescents, adults, and families on an annual basis. Under Horne the center also developed and holds the River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards in cooperation with Auburn University Montgomery.
UMCH Board Chair Terry McCartney stated, "The Board is pleased and excited to have Dr. Horne serve as our President/CEO. Dr. Horne exceeds the criteria set for this position and has the skill set and personal traits to be an inspirational leader in this ministry’s efforts to continue to meet the needs of children and families in Alabama and northwest Florida."
Horne holds degrees from Mercer University (B.A. – Christianity), Mercer University School of Medicine (Master of Family Therapy), and Florida State University (Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy). He also completed a three year course of post-doctoral study at the Georgetown Family Center in Washington, D.C., from 2004-2007.
He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery and First United Methodist Church of Montgomery where he serves on the Stewardship Leadership Team. He currently serves on the board of directors for Hospice of Montgomery and the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has been married since 1998 to the former Tracy Prudames of Atlanta, GA, who is a Sr. Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch of Montgomery. The Hornes have two daughters, Brooke (9) and Arden (5).
The United Methodist Children’s Home has helped to transform thousands of lives since 1890. Abused, neglected, and traumatized children, young mothers, and struggling families find comfort and safety through our residential group homes, foster care programs, and family preservation services.
Our mission: To follow the example of Christ by embracing all God’s children… one child, one family at a time.
