Upward Transitions Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Ray Bitsche, Jr. as chief executive officer.
“All of us on the board are extremely happy,” said Wayne Barbour, board president of the 90 year-old nonprofit agency. “It is our hope that Ray can take Upward Transitions to the next level in serving our clients.”
Bitsche brings 28 years of leadership in public service and nonprofit industries to Upward Transitions and was most recently CEO of Sunbeam Family Services which experienced significant growth under his leadership.
In addition, Periann Pulliam has been named chief operations officer. Pulliam joined Upward Transitions in 2009 as the volunteer coordinator for the organization’s Travelers Aid Program at Will Rogers World Airport. Harold Powell, Jr. has accepted the position of volunteer coordinator for the 42 year-old award winning program.
“Harold’s background working with senior volunteers makes him an excellent fit for the airport program,” said Pulliam. “I couldn’t be more pleased with our choice.”
Upward Transitions offers a wide variety of programs, including direct aid to those who are homeless, near homeless or stranded in our community. Upward Transitions also refers clients to resources that assist with life skills training and education to improve their employment potential.
Upward Transitions volunteers assist visitors at the two information booths at Will Rogers World Airport 365 days a year.
For 90 years, Upward Transitions has touched the lives of Oklahomans, elevating those who are in need, stranded or homeless to a position of self-sufficiency.
For more information, or to make a donation to Upward Transitions, call (405) 232-5507, email info@upwardtransitions.org or go to www.upwardtransitions.org.