Jay Laurens, the former administrator of a Rowan County non-profit organization, has been hired as the new executive director of the Ada Jenkins Center. He starts work Aug. 1, taking over from Bill Johnson, who is retiring at age 65.

Ada Jenkins is a non-profit community center at 212 Gamble St. on Davidson’s west side. The director oversees more than 20 community service programs, helps raise money and manages a $700,000 annual budget.

Mr. Johnson announced his retirement a year ago. He is now a candidate for Davidson Town Board.

For the past 7½ years, Mr. Laurens was executive director of Rowan Homes Inc., a non-profit agency providing housing and training to people with developmental disabilities. He was responsible for six 24-hour, community-based residential facilities and a central support center.

Mr. Laurens was chosen from among 120 applicants. He has a bachelor of arts degree from Pfeiffer University and a master’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College. He also received a Certificate of Non-Profit Management from Duke University.

He lives in Rowan County with his wife and four children, though Ada Jenkins officials say he hopes to move to the Lake Norman area.

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