CASA Board Member Spotlight: Briana Persley

Briana Persley is one of three ex-officio members of the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors. She is the Director of Youth Services for Lexington's Department of Social Services.

CASA: How did you first learn about CASA of Lexington?

Briana: I learned about CASA of Lexington when I was a Crime Victims’ Advocate at the Fayette Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.

CASA: Tell us about your work/career.

Briana: I have worked with a vulnerable population of children throughout my entire career. Upon graduation from Eastern Kentucky University in 1997, my first job was at the United Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Versailles. I went on to work at the Manchester Center, a nonprofit agency that served the areas of Davis Bottom, Thompson Road Addition, and Speigle Heights. The Lexington Housing Authority offered me a position as the Resident Program Coordinator after giving them a tour of Manchester Center. After working there for a brief time, I was recruited to be a Crime Victims’ Advocate by the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney, Ray Larson, where my specialty was residential burglaries and youthful offenders. I served on the Partners for Youth Foundation, Inc.’s board until I became the foundation’s Executive Director in November of 2017. This year, I was promoted to the Director of Division of Youth Services after Stephanie Hong’s retirement. I am excited to keep the torch of excellence lit as I oversee the teams at CASA of Lexington, Audrey Grevious Center, Juvenile Probation, and the Parent and Guardian Empowerment (PAGE) program.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Briana: I enjoy spending time with my family, designing and decorating spaces, and enjoying nature.

CASA: What would you like to say to CASA of Lexington's volunteers?

Briana: Without you, children who are abused and neglected may not have a voice in the court system. Having an advocate to verbalize the trauma they sustain is a blessing and helps them be placed in permanent, loving homes. We appreciate all you do for kids!