Mark Taylor has been appointed executive director at Youth Town.
According to a press release, Taylor was selected by Youth Town’s board of directors, and will begin serving in his new role March 1.
He follows Nick Pappas, who served as interim director since fall of 2018.
Taylor brings extensive experience as a community outreach minister, an entrepreneur and a volunteer. With several decades of serving West Tennesseans through diverse nonprofits, Taylor joined Youth Town’s board of directors in 2008, serving as chair from 2010 through 2017.
Taylor commented, “I fell in love with Youth Town’s mission more than a decade ago. After serving those in county, state and federal correctional institutions for almost 20 years, I saw that Youth Town provides a solution. It has a proven track record of helping young men and women not only avoid incarceration but come to know Christ.”
“I am excited and ready to begin working with Youth Town’s all-star team of highly trained professionals,” he added. “Our mission will continue to be helping free adolescents from the bondage of alcohol, drugs, hurts and habits. God’s guidance and continued prayers and support will allow us to impact these young people for life.”
In discussing Taylor’s new role, Youth Town Board President Clay Williams said, “We have a great team, and Mark’s strong spiritual leadership and business acumen will position us for even more growth. His leadership skills will utilize current team members’ talents to the fullest.” Williams referenced the nation’s opioid crisis, as he explained, “Youth Town’s ministry is needed more than ever — not only in providing skills to cope with trauma and addiction but also in helping young people find irreversible life change through Christ.”
Williams said Pappas, a former executive director, will continue in a key role as an ambassador.
He added, “The Youth Town board is greatly appreciative for Nick’s willingness to return to leadership on an interim basis. This allowed us to conduct a thorough search for our next executive director. His work has not only sustained the ministry but also has brought it to a new level. Nick’s love for this organization is real and will remain a vital part of our service to God and young people.”
Williams also spoke of the board’s exploration of capital projects to meet the increasing needs for treatment at Eden (serving girls) and Jericho (serving boys).
“We will rely on financial support from new and current donors more than ever due to the overwhelming number of kids and families in crisis,” Williams said, “Our work depends on individual, church, city, county and state support to help them.”
Youth Town of Tennessee is a residential treatment facility, offering hope for adolescents and their families through an environment embodying the unconditional love of Christ. For more information, individuals may visit youthtown.net or call (731) 988-5251.
(PHOTO: Mark Taylor)
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