New Port Richey, FL – Rick Hess, President & CEO of Pasco Kids First announced his retirement to the Pasco Kids First leadership team. Hess has been with Pasco Kids First for 21 years and his retirement date will be June 29, 2018.

Hess joined Pasco Kids First after 22 years of experience in juvenile justice and child welfare. During his tenure at Pasco Kids First, his leadership led the organization in substantial growth to a budget of $3 million and 43 staff members. The Children’s Advocacy Center also became fully accredited and the Healthy Families Pasco-Hernando Program received national recognition on more than one occasion.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve first as Executive Director and then as CEO of an organization that has been life-giving to so many as we have carried out our mission to keep kids safe and strengthen families,” Rick Hess stated in his retirement letter to the Pasco Kids First team.

Pasco Kids First is a private, not-for-profit organization serving children and families in Pasco County for 29 years and Hernando County for 11 years by providing services addressing child abuse and neglect. The programs include prevention, assessment and treatment services. For more information about Pasco Kids First, please visit www.pascokidsfirst.org.