<p>Hindman, KY | The board of directors of Hindman Settlement School has announced the selection of Brent D. Hutchinson as the school’s new executive director. He succeeds the late Mike Mullins, who served in that capacity for 34 years. Hutchinson will formally begin his duties in mid-October. “We are honored that Brent was drawn to serve and to continue to build on the legacy that is Hindman Settlement School. We believe he has the vision, passion, integrity and skill to lead us forward as we start a new chapter for our school,” says Glenn D. Leveridge, chair of Hindman Settlement School’s board of directors. For the past seven years, Hutchinson has served as Lead Pastor for Ministry Leadership at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Prior to that, he served as an events coordinator for LifeWay Christian Resources, which included curriculum development and training as well as designing and coordinating programs. Hutchinson’s professional life has been devoted to helping people develop to their full potential through educational, institutional and community settings. He has worked primarily in the nonprofit sector and has strong administrative skills, as well as experience leading and developing staffs, executing strategic vision, and building networks. Hutchinson grew up in Lawrence County, where his family has lived for generations. His wife of 17 years, Gwen, has family deeply rooted in southern Floyd County. They have two boys, Adam (9) and Miles (4). Hutchinson has an MS in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky and a BA in Social Science from Morehead State University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University, with an emphasis on servant, public and cultural leadership. As a volunteer, he has worked with the Living Hope Community Center in Cape Town South Africa to lead aid teams in working with families suffering from poverty, lack of education, unemployment and HIV. “I am excited and inspired by the vital role that Hindman Settlement School plays in bringing together people and organizations to address educational needs and to honor the rich cultural heritage of Eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian region. There has never been a more important time to exercise our collective creativity to ensure that Eastern Kentuckians have the opportunity to determine their own destiny,” says Hutchinson. Hindman Settlement School recently celebrated its 110th year. Its mission is to provide education and service opportunities for people of the mountains, while keeping them mindful of their heritage. The Settlement School offers education and service programs that address critical needs of the region’s youth and adults, promote cultural awareness and build upon Appalachia’s rich cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.HindmanSettlement.org. ### Photo of Brent D. Hutchinson Available Upon Request</p>