SIDNEY — The Board of Directors of Shelby County Counseling Center has named Julie Clay its new executive director. Clay has been interim director since June.

In her role as executive director, Clay’s primary goals will be to expand the range of services available through the Counseling Center, and to build partnerships throughout the community to provide increased access to those services.

Shelby County Counseling Center Board Chairman Lance Symonds expressed confidence in Clay.

“We have had the opportunity to see Julie in action these past several months, and she has done a great job,” said Symonds. “She has a real talent for getting out into the community and engaging with people in all kinds of positions. She’s been a real ambassador for the Counseling Center and we expect that will continue to grow.”

“I am honored and excited for this amazing opportunity to work alongside the staff of SCCC strengthening our programming to better serve the community,” said Clay. “I look forward to working with our community partners developing new opportunities and continuing to work alongside them for many years to come.”

In her role as executive director, Clay will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Counseling Center, including budgeting, staffing and monitoring performance measures for the 22 employees.

“I am excited to work with a great team here at Shelby County Counseling Center continuing to provide services to the community,” said Clay. “It is my goal to expand services helping those in this community recover and thrive! By teaming up with community partners Shelby County Counseling Center will be able to reach more individuals than before. It is my hope that by showing the community a stable, caring agency that together we will make a difference.”

Clay holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Pastor Care Ministries from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. Clay has been employed at Shelby County Counseling Center since 2012. She is also currently the alcohol and other drug supervisor for the Counseling Center.