CASA of the Eastern Panhandle names Elizabeth McCoy as incoming executive director

By AI, Created 11:30 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – CASA of the Eastern Panhandle said Elizabeth “Beth” McCoy will become its incoming executive director on June 8, 2026, ahead of Michelle Sudduth’s retirement at the end of the month. The leadership change comes as the child advocacy nonprofit continues to expand services across Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties.

Why it matters: - CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is preparing for a leadership transition while serving more than 400 children a year across Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. - McCoy’s appointment matters because the organization says it is still seeing many vulnerable children who need a court-appointed advocate. - The executive director change comes as CASA-EP manages both core court advocacy and a broader set of youth and family support programs.

What happened: - CASA of the Eastern Panhandle announced that Elizabeth “Beth” McCoy will become incoming executive director, effective June 8, 2026. - McCoy will work with current Executive Director Michelle Sudduth during a transition period in June. - Sudduth plans to retire at the end of June after serving as executive director since 2018. - McCoy is joining CASA-EP from Berkeley County Schools.

The details: - McCoy brings more than 25 years of leadership experience. - CASA-EP described McCoy as a leader with a longstanding commitment to children and families in the Eastern Panhandle. - McCoy has been recognized for relationship-building, proactive leadership and focus on positive, inclusive environments that support children’s educational, social and emotional well-being. - CASA-EP’s mission is to advocate for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. - The organization says it has grown over the past decade from a small advocacy group into a regional leader in child advocacy and youth support services. - CASA-EP now employs 11 full-time staff members. - The organization provides core court-appointed advocacy services and also runs Fostering Futures Forward, Mentorship Pathway, Education Advocacy, Family Visitation and Permanency Services. - Specially trained volunteer advocates are appointed by the court to support each child’s safety, stability, permanency and well-being. - CASA-EP also supports youth development, education advocacy, family stability and long-term positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families. - Kim Himes, president of the CASA-EP board, said McCoy’s experience, vision and heart for the mission make her the right person to lead the organization’s next chapter.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals continuity for CASA-EP, with McCoy stepping into a role shaped by an existing growth phase rather than a turnaround. - McCoy’s background in public schools could help CASA-EP strengthen coordination with educators and family-support systems. - The leadership change also highlights the ongoing demand for child advocates in the Eastern Panhandle, where not every child in the court system currently has a dedicated advocate. - Sudduth’s endorsement suggests an orderly succession and a stable handoff for staff, volunteers and supporters.

What’s next: - McCoy will begin her role on June 8 and overlap with Sudduth through the month of June. - CASA-EP is expected to continue expanding advocacy and support services under McCoy’s leadership. - The organization is directing supporters to CASA of the Eastern Panhandle for more information, volunteering or donations.

The bottom line: - CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is betting on an internal fit for its next chapter: a school system leader with deep local ties, taking over a growing child-advocacy nonprofit at a time of sustained demand.