SCUFFY announces new executive director

Shelby County United Fund For You (SCUFFY) announced a new executive director Friday.

Alecia M. Gross, who most recently was the pastor at First Christian Church in New Castle, was hired to replace David Fisher, who filled in as interim executive director after the unexpected passing of Angie Davies.

Gross was previously the executive director of the Shelby Community Health Center, which later became the Jane Pauley Community Health Center. That center is one of SCUFFY’s 12 agencies.

“We are thrilled to have Alecia on board and feel confident she will be great in the position,” said Aaron Haehl, SCUFFY President of the Board of Directors, in a press release.

“With her background, education and the fact that she grew up in Shelbyville, she is a perfect fit for the job.”

Gross earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Ball State University and completed her Master’s degree at Christian Theological Seminary.

She is married to Shelbyville-native Russ Gross and their family is excited to return to Shelby County to serve the community, according to the press release.

“Most recently I have served as pastor of local churches. Returning to not-for-profit management would be a professional shift, but the mission of SCUFFY aligns exactly with my personal mission – to create community, to garner hope, and to strengthen relationships,” she told the board during her interview, according to the press release.

“The skills I have developed throughout my career lend themselves to this transition.”