Cook named new executive director at Keep Polk Beautiful

A new administrative leader has been selected for Keep Polk Beautiful following the retirement of a longtime advocate for the local environment.

According to a release from Keep Polk Beautiful last Friday, Randy Cook is taking over the role of executive director effective Tuesday, Sept. 19 after press time.

Cook t akes over f or Vance Voinche, who headed the organization for several years.

“After a thorough search for qualified candidates, the Board reached consensus that Randy brings the right mix of skills and community contacts to this important role,” the release stated. “Randy is a retired educator and small businessman well-known in Polk County.”

Cook’s resume includes 30 years as a physical education teacher at Westside Elementary, master’s degree in Health Education from Jacksonville State University and Specialist in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. The release added that he is active in church outreach and relief ministries. He has been a longtime supporter of youth recreational baseball, basketball and soccer.

He was actively involved in the development of the Silver Comet Trail as well.

Larry Tolbert, current chairman of the Board of Directors, stated in the release that “We wish to commend Vance Voinche for his outstanding leadership of KPB over the past few years.”

“Vance is uniquely gifted and has advanced the work and mission of KPB in valuable ways. Under his leadership, KPB has sponsored community recycling events collecting old paint, electronics, tires, light bulbs and other recyclable materials.,” Tolbert’s statement read. “He also developed the concept of ‘Once Around the Block’, to encourage local residents to keep their neighborhoods clean by ongoing litter patrol. His energy, vision and enthusiasm for KPB have produced much fruit. We expect him to remain engaged with KPB as a volunteer in our many environmental endeavors.”

With regard to the appointment of new Executive Director Randy Cook, Tolbert had the following statement: “We are indeed fortunate to retain Randy as our new Executive Director. Randy brings a wealth of community contacts and involvement with key constituencies of KPB. His familiarity with our local schools is a plus.”

“His passion for our environment shines through. We welcome him with great anticipation as we seek to take KPB to higher levels of effectiveness,” Tolbert’s statement continued. “Randy is a dedicated husband and father and avid outdoorsman. He brings the right qualities to our organization at this juncture and we look forward to working closely with him as we move forward.”

Cook may be reached at 678-2461083 or via email at kpbeautiful@polkga.org for those looking to partner with the organization on efforts to protect the environment and clean up the community locally.