April 20, 2024
UNION POINT — Penfield Addiction Ministries officially welcomed Mike Walker as chief executive officer July 17. Simultaneously, the ministry commenced plans to honor outgoing CEO Lem Clark on Sept 16 for his 21 years of service.
Clark announced his intentions in early 2016 to retire on Dec. 31, 2017. In the fall of 2016, the Penfield board appointed a succession committee to begin searching for Clark's replacement, eventually approving Walker from among several candidates.
Before arriving at Penfield, Walker served as executive director of Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia, a position he'd held since 1994. In addition, Walker had developed a familiarity with Penfield through his time on the board of directors, serving as chair in 2014.
Walker earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and psychology from Shorter College (now University) in 1975 before going on to attain his Master of Education degree from West Georgia College. He later received a second Masters in eduction from the University of Georgia in School Psychology.
"We are eternally grateful for Lem's leadership over many years," commented Barron C. Harbin, chairman of Penfield. "He is leaving a legacy of love, compassion, and commitment to those needing addiction treatment, Christian guidance, and a relationship with our Lord and Savior."
Clark, Harbin added, will continue at Penfield periodically through the end of the year supporting Walker's transition and documenting Penfield's history. The retirement party in his honor will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. at Penfield's main campus 1061 Mercer Circle in Union Point. The public is invited to attend.
