KICA Hires New Security , Finance Directors
In the spring of 2016 , two of KICA ’ s senior staff positions opened as Controller Deborah Retalis accepted another opportunity , and Security Director Joe Croughwell celebrated his well-deserved retirement .
Interest in both positions was strong , with more than a hundred resumes submitted . After weeks of considering qualifications , reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates , KICA selected Tony Elder as its new security director and Jane Ovenden as its new director of finance . The two bring decades of experience and expertise to KICA ’ s leadership team .
Elder , a native of Virginia Beach , joined KICA in May . He brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience , most recently as deputy chief of police and bureau commander for operations for the Charleston Police Department , in command of 360 law enforcement officers .
Prior to joining CPD in 2007 , Elder spent 22 years with the Virginia Beach Police , in roles of increasing responsibility . He has also served as an adjunct faculty member for the Citadel and other institutes of higher learning .
Jane Ovenden , a CPA with 30 years experience in public accounting , joined KICA in June . Prior to KICA , Ovenden served as senior director of operations with the Spartanburg ( SC ) Regional Healthcare System Foundation , controller for the Spartanburg Humane Society , and as a tax manager for Dixon Hughes .
“ Security and Finance are two vital functions of KICA ,” said KICA COO Jimmy Bailey at the time of their hiring . “ These highly qualified individuals are a welcome addition to the KICA team .”