Sherry Morris is retiring as executive director of Fannin County Family Connection (FCFC).
Morris’ retirement was announced last Thursday and comes after nearly ten years of her dedicated service to the organization.
“Under her leadership, the organization has transformed from a struggling, nearly bankrupt food pantry and shelter to a local community service powerhouse. Sherry has overseen the creation and growth of numerous programs and partnerships serving the diverse needs of families and children across our community,” FCFC Chairperson Sherry Echelberger.
Morris said, “After serving over 30 years in various roles as association executive director, marketing director, trade show specialist, and policy advocate, I viewed my “encore career” as the newly hired Executive Director of my hometown’s Family Connection as a chance to slow down while helping my neighbors. Boy was I wrong!”
“My encore career has been the hardest, most gut wrenching and most rewarding job I have ever had. I will miss my work in the community.
“To make the most impact in community service, you must be all in and I have been all in for close to a decade,” Morris said.
Explaining her decision to retire, Morris said, “There comes a time when your mind and body ask for a little self-care. And your heart knows when you’ve given all you have. Now is that time for me. When I’ve enjoyed some recuperation time, you will find me back at the family shop being creative with wood and metal working. Perhaps, even a little gardening that I’ve missed so much. When my hands are at work making something, my brain, my body and my heart is happy. That’s a good thing!”
Morris’ retirement becomes effective October 1.
Eichelberger said plans are underway for a celebration of Morris’ accomplishments, contributions and goodwill.
McKee named to lead role at Family Connection
In conjunction with Sherry Morris’ retirement as executive director of Fannin County Family Connection (FCRC), the FCFC board of directors has announced the appointment of her successor and a new marketing and event specialist.
Jacqueline McKee will become executive director of Family Connection October 1.
While studying for her bachelor’s degree, McKee completed an internship at Family Connection when she says she “fell in love with the mission and work of the organization.”
After earning her degree, she began pursuing a master’s degree in Human Service Delivery & Administration, pursuing a dream to become an executive director of a non-profit.
On May 28, 2024, she was invited back to Family Connection as associate director. She has worked under Morris to prepare for the executive director position. McKee says, “It is an honor to step in Sherry’s place as she leaves an extraordinary legacy at FCFC and throughout our community. Sherry has been a mentor, role model, friend, and supporter throughout the growth of my career since my first days as an intern. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity and I cannot wait to continue to do the necessary work for our community.”
“Jacqueline has a heart for community service, and we are excited for the future that her leadership will bring.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline to our organization,.” says Sherry Echelberger, FCFC chairperson. “She brings enthusiasm and a desire to continue the success we’ve enjoyed at Family Connection. Jacqueline has demonstrated the innate empathy and kindness that are mandatory to recognize the needs in our community and all that we serve. She has talked about this role as her dream job and we are pleased to make that dream a reality.”
Victoria Walker has been added to the FCFC staff as marketing and event specialist, a change that took effect August 26.
Walker is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Delivery and Administration at the University of North Georgia.
She began an internship in the summer of 2024 at Fannin County Family Connection, where she said she had an “almost an instant feeling of being in the right place. I moved to Blue Ridge 13 years ago and this place I call home means so much to me. My passion is to help all members of the community.
“Sherry Morris and Jacqueline McKee have created the most insightful and compassionate experience for me at FCFC.”
Walker’s goal is to “help as many people as we can.”