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Kelly Thran named South Division Operations Officer

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Kelly Thran of Portland has accepted the South Division Operations Officer position at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. Currently the Regional Director of Good Shepherd Communities (GSC) Northwest Region, Thran will assume the responsibility for services Bethesda provides in California, Colorado, Kansas, Western Missouri, Texas and Florida.

“We are confident in Kelly, she has the desire and ability to positively impact the future of Bethesda in her new role, we expect continued great things from her,” stated Dr. David Geske, President and CEO. Thran has been with GSC for 23 years. She has a good understanding of the supports people with developmental disabilities need. Thran also has experience with several family members with developmental disabilities.

Thran has been fortunate enough to have been a part of significant change at GSC, which will guide her in this transition. “This alignment will further the quality of what we do and help us implement Best Practices across the divisions,” she said. Thran believes best practice within the organization can be accomplished through a team approach.

Being the first person to hold a position can be intimidating, however, Thran is prepared. “My experience will certainly be an asset in guiding me into this position,” she said. Thran feels blessed to have the opportunity to create new and innovative techniques to accommodate people with developmental disabilities.

She will also work on seeking Council on Quality and Leadership accreditation for services and programs within her division. “Creating divisions to blend Bethesda and GSC is a way to further share experiences and create common strategic direction, planning and philosophies,” stated Thran. “It offers a great opportunity to learn from each other and develop relationships. I am excited.”

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and throughout the world. It is Bethesda’s mission to support the needs of the individual—both physical and spiritual—and as a result, Bethesda offers many different types of services for the individual and their family, including a variety of residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops. For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or email: pr@blhs.org.