CASA Monroe, a volunteer organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system, has hired a new executive director.

Vonore resident Alisa M. Hobbs will step into former executive director Marion Leudemann shoes. Leudemann retired as executive director in early 2012.

Hobbs, a graduate of both Tennessee Tech University and Lincoln Memorial University, began her professional career with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, where she worked for 12 years with children in foster care and later on, recruited and trained foster parents.

Hobbs eventually was hired by the Holston United Methodist Home for Children, where she served as recruiter and trainer for the Knoxville area for nearly 10 years.

"With a background in sociology, criminal justice and psychology, Alisa was a perfect candidate for the position," said CASA Monroe Chairman of the Board James McCoy. "After we talked to her and got a feel for her personality and her vision for the organization, the executive committee unanimously voted to recommend her to our board."

See full story in the Sunday, June 17, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.