Andrea Hays Selected to Lead Welborn Into Its Next Chapter
Leadership transitions are defining moments for any organization—not because they signal an ending, but because they create opportunities to build upon a strong foundation.
The Welborn Board of Directors has announced that Andrea Hays has been selected as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, succeeding current CEO Pat Creech following his retirement. While Pat will continue to serve until the transition is finalized, the Board’s announcement reflects an intentional succession-planning process designed to ensure Welborn remains focused on its mission and positioned for the future.
For Andrea, this moment is both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.
Having joined Welborn in 2008, Andrea has had the opportunity to serve alongside each of Welborn’s three CEOs, gaining a unique perspective on the organization’s history, growth, and evolving impact throughout the Greater Evansville region.
“Having had the privilege of serving alongside each of Welborn’s three incredible CEOs, I have seen firsthand how their distinct leadership styles have guided our organization to drive lasting community impact,” Andrea said. “I am deeply honored by the Board of Directors’ trust in me to lead our exceptional team into this next chapter. Together, we will continue to advance our mission, contributing to meaningful, sustainable outcomes for our community.”
Andrea currently serves as Welborn’s Chief Program & Impact Officer, leading the development and integration of Welborn’s impact strategies across the organization’s focus areas. Her work brings together research, partnerships, strategic investments, and organizational learning to help create healthier, more vibrant communities.
Her career has consistently centered on improving public health and strengthening communities. Before joining Welborn, Andrea served as Director of Public Health for Prevent Blindness’s national office and led the regional implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s $3 million Community Transformation Grant. Her leadership earned national recognition as a White House Champion of Change, and she continues to invest in the next generation of public health leaders as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern Indiana.
Those who know Andrea recognize not only her strategic leadership but also her collaborative approach. She believes meaningful change happens when organizations and institutions work together around a shared vision—an approach that aligns closely with Welborn’s commitment to serving as a catalyst for lasting community impact.
As CEO, Andrea will build upon the momentum established under Pat Creech’s leadership while continuing to strengthen Welborn’s role as a trusted partner for nonprofits, churches, educators, healthcare organizations, civic leaders, and donors throughout the region.