The Richland County Children Services board welcomed three new members Monday at their regular meeting.
Deanna West-Torrence, Renee Bessick and Jason Murray were appointed to the board by the Richland County Commissioners to replace Robert Konstam, Dean Wells and Cheryl Carter who resigned from the board in 2013 for various reasons.
West-Torrence is the executive director of the North End Community Improvement Collaborative, a non-profit asset based organization designed to help and uplift local residents and businesses on Mansfield’s north end of town.
“I hope I can be of value to the board,” she said. “I hope I can be of service.”
West-Torrence said she is anxious to get started and has worked in cooperation with the children services board over the years when she worked as the director of the Ocie Hill building as well as in various other capacities.
“I’ve been very familiar with the agency as a community partner,” she said. “I understand the work they do and I think it’s really important.”
Monday’s meeting was a first for Bessick, Woodland Elementary School principal.
“I’m excited,” she said. “It’s a new experience for me. This is the first board I’ve ever been on.”
As an educator, Bessick said she has a heart for children. She also has a large family with seven children.
“I hope to make some great improvements,” she said. “I’m not sure how all that works, but I’m sure I will do a good job.”
Murray is a local attorney who practices in business law and estate planning. He is a lifelong Mansfield resident.
“I’m happy to be a part of the board and I’m ready to get going,” he said. “I’m happy to give back to the community and I look forward to serving.”
Murray said he “thinks the world of kids,” and is excited to help in any capacity he can. He said he and his wife have two boys naturally and an adopted girl from Guatemala.
Board chairman Pam Siegenthaler welcomed the new board members to their first meeting.
“I want to thank you all for joining us and thanks for coming tonight.”
“I’ve been very familiar with the agency as a community partner,” she said. “I understand the work they do and I think it’s really important,” said Deanna West-Torrence.
