About our ...

Executive Director, Kymberly Cook

Kymberly Cook came to CHS in November 2008 and has 21 years experience in program development, protective services, juvenile justice, residential care, advocacy and fundraising. She possesses a blend of crucial skills and expertise with a strong focus on operations, quality accreditation and training. She is well versed in all aspects of Florida’s privatized child welfare system, having served previously as Director of Operations for Florida United Methodist Children’s Home and Vice President of Quality Management and Development for Community Based Care for Volusia & Flagler Counties, where she had the opportunity to work with CHS corporate staff. Kymberly's career has been characterized by her strong desire to help every child succeed through an emphasis on superior program design, implementation and management.

Beginning as an educational volunteer for at-risk youth at the Ramey Estep Home for Boys, Kymberly found her passion and mission in life -- helping children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. She holds a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Lael College and Graduate School, a Level 5 Strategic / Operations Management Certification and Assessor Certification from the National Center for Professional Certification, and a Human Resources Management Certification from Rollins College. She is very active in the community as she is a member of the First Coast Initiative for Girls Leadership Team, is a graduate of the Leadership Jacksonville Summit 2009, belongs to the Leadership Circle and United Way Agency Directors Association of Northeast Florida and is a member of the Jacksonville Kids Coalition Steering Committee.

“I always had the utmost respect for Children’s Home Society of Florida,” she says. “I feel honored and privileged to work with many dedicated staff, volunteers and donors who truly care about children and families.”

Director of Program Operations, Tracy McDade, LCSW

Tracy McDade came to CHS in 2005 as the Adoption Program Director for the Buckner Division. In 2007, she became the Statewide Adoption Director, dividing her duties between local and state programs. In 2009, she added the title of Director of Program Operations to her responsibilities.

Tracy received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Old Dominion University and her Master of Social Work at Norfolk State University. Prior to joining CHS, Tracy was the Director of Intensive In-Home Therapy and Case Management Services for Alternative Behavioral Services in Portsmouth, Va., for six years. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified substance abuse counselor.

Tracy has 20 years of experience in children’s behavioral health, counseling and adoption services (private, international, special needs and post-adoption services). She provided the direction for start up and implementation of our Post-Adoption Services program and continues to provide direction for the successful program. She makes it a priority to know all the clients in her programs and helps ensure each receives the highest level of services. 
 

Director of Development, David Clark, APR

David Clark has been the Director of Development for Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Buckner Division since 2002 and is responsible for an annual budget of more than $1 million in revenue, gifts in-kind, and volunteer services for fundraising and community awareness. 
David received his Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Auburn University and his Master of Arts in Communications Arts from the University of West Florida.

David has 21 years of experience in public relations, development and nonprofit management. Working alongside the division’s Board of Directors, he has increased development support by 50 percent. In addition, he staffed a capital campaign that raised more than $4 million to renovate two facilities and generated an additional $1 million to build a new group home and independent living apartments. His fundraising ability is driven by a passion to help children in need. 

He has also been active in the community having served on the Board of Leadership Jax, All Saints Early Learning & Community Care Center and the Arthritis Foundation. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Florida.