Honoring a Legacy: Remembering Pam Priddy's Impact on Children and Families Some people leave a lasting impact long after they're gone. Pam Priddy was one of those people. A respected leader, advocate, mentor, and friend, Pam dedicated her life to improving outcomes for children and families. Throughout her career at Necco, she helped shape programs, influence policy, support foster families, and inspire countless colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside her. As Necco celebrates 30 years of changing lives, Pam's story stands as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. A Force for Children and Families Those who knew Pam often described her as a powerhouse. She possessed an unmatched knowledge of foster care and child welfare, paired with an incredible work ethic and determination to get things done. No challenge was too big if it meant helping children. Whether she was working directly with families, leading teams, or advocating for change, her focus remained the same: creating better opportunities and brighter futures for foster children. Her efforts helped strengthen child welfare systems, reduce barriers for providers, and improve support for children and families across Kentucky and beyond. A Leader at Every Level Pam's career reflected her commitment to service. Over the years, she served in nearly every corner of child welfare, including as a kinship caregiver, case manager, counselor, Program Director, State Director, Chief Clinical Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. That experience gave her a unique understanding of both the day-to-day challenges facing families and the larger systems that support them. She was equally comfortable helping one child in need or advocating for changes that would benefit thousands. Colleagues often described her as one of the most influential people they had ever met, not because of her title, but because of her unwavering commitment to helping others. An Advocate Who Brought People Together Pam was widely respected for her ability to unite people around a common goal: helping children. She worked closely with legislators, agency leaders, and community partners, helping advance policies and initiatives that strengthened foster care services. Her ability to build relationships across political and professional lines made her a trusted voice in child welfare advocacy. Many of Kentucky's foster children and families are better served today because of the work she championed throughout her career. A Mentor, Teammate, and Friend While Pam's professional accomplishments were remarkable, those closest to her remember the person she was. She invested in others, shared her knowledge freely, and always made time for people who needed support. Coworkers remember conversations about parenting, celebrating successes, and navigating life's challenges together. Many describe her as someone with endless energy, empathy, and compassion. One colleague reflected that they would not be where they are today without her guidance, while others recall how she often ended conversations and emails with a phrase that perfectly reflected her spirit: "Love your peeps." A Legacy That Lives On Pam's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments. It lives on in the children whose lives were changed, the families she supported, the professionals she mentored, and the systems she helped improve. She set a standard of leadership rooted in service, compassion, and advocacy. Her influence continues to be felt throughout Necco, across Kentucky, and among the many people fortunate enough to have known her. As we reflect on her life and contributions, one thing is clear: the world is a better place because of Pam Pretty. By continuing the work she cared about so deeply and by keeping children at the center of everything we do, we honor her legacy and the extraordinary example she set for all of us.
