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Business alumnus retires from non-profit leadership position

After a 14-year career of helping victims of domestic violence, a Western Illinois University alumnus is looking back on a rewarding career.

Pat Smith ’80, who received his bachelor’s degree in business/marketing, is the president of Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus (IN). He will step down from his position May 31 to pursue other career opportunities.

Smith began at Turning Point in 1999 with the agency that helps domestic violence victims with emergency shelter, education, prevention services, victim and community outreach, legal advocacy programming, sexual assault services and children’s programs.

Smith said he feels this is a good time to step down because the agency’s board of directors and staff is strong and the agency is in good financial health.

As his career with the agency winds down, Smith has been looking back on his career and what has motivated him to be an advocate for 14 years. In an article in the Columbus, Inc. newspaper, “The Republic,” several community leaders had high praise for Smith and his efforts.

Jason Maddix, the police chief in Columbus, told the newspaper that Smith’s passion for his job includes making sure local police officers have a better understanding of domestic violence issues. Maddix also expressed gratitude to Smith for increasing awareness of domestic violence issues.

“In 2012, the number of our domestic violence cases were down,” Maddix told the newspaper. “It’s going the right direction, and it’s part of our partnership with Turning Point.”

Smith told the newspaper that he and his family plan to stay in Columbus after his term at Turning Point is over.

“I plan to work for the next 10 to 15 years and to begin networking and looking for local opportunities,” he said. “I have worked in for-profit, not-for-profit and professional ministry in my career, and I am open to any of those possibilities. I do not have a specific, narrowed focus at this time.”

Dave McKinney, chairman of Turning Point’s board of directors, said Smith has worked tirelessly to take on an agency that was in disarray.

“Pat is so passionate about what he does, you can’t help but follow behind him,” McKinney said. “He really cares about the victims of domestic violence. He has transformed Turning Point into a professional organization with caring, compassionate employees and volunteers.”

For more information about Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, visit turningpointdv.org.