The STAR Center, Inc. today announced that Judy Duke, Manager of Community Relations, has decided to retire effective September 30, 2020.
Tiffanie Medlin will serve as the TN Technology Access Program Coordinator upon Duke’s Retirement.
According to a press release from Cassidy Sheppard – STAR Center -Marketing and Events Manager, Judy has served The STAR Center for 29 years in a variety of roles and positions. In 1986, Judy attended one of the first meetings of a support group for families of children and young adults with disabilities with her daughter, Julie. Shortly thereafter, Judy began as a volunteer for the West Tennessee Special Technology Access Resource Center.
“Little did I know what opportunities would be available to her (Julie) through the organization that this support group would become – The STAR Center,” said Judy Duke.
Throughout her time at STAR, Judy has continued to promote The STAR Center in the community and remains one of the greatest assets to our organization. Anytime the phone rings with a question we can’t answer, we transfer it over to Judy because we know she can help with her expansive knowledge of our history.
“Judy has been a blessing at STAR. Having a team member who not only knows about the journey but has lived it has been an invaluable resource to all of the families we serve. Judy will truly be missed,” said Dave Bratcher, President of The STAR Center.
Judy was not only a great asset to our organization, but to the Jackson community. She has been named Woman of the Year, served on the organization committee for Gabriel’s Garden in Jackson, organized the yearly Tennessee Technology Access Program’s (TTAP) Pass-It-On Days, and helped start the Girl Scout Troop at STAR for girls with disabilities.
She is a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
The community is invited to a Retirement Drive-Thru Celebration, September 29, 2020, at The STAR Center – 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. – 1119 Old Humboldt Road.
The STAR Center mission is to help any person with any disability realize their potential.
(PHOTO: Judy Duke – courtesy Cassidy Sheppard – STAR Center -Marketing and Events Manager)
