Community Education announces retirement of executive director Bill Oldham

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Community Education board chair Ryan Dearbone has announced the upcoming retirement of executive director Bill Oldham.

As the board begins to search for a new director, assistant director Joshua Smith will serve as interim executive director.

Oldham joined Community Education as executive director in November 2019 following the retirement of longtime leader Debi Wade Jordan, according to a release Tuesday. Oldham’s relationship with the organization spans many years, having served on both the board of directors and advisory council, he also served on the Grayson County Schools’ Community Education Advisory Council, and his daughters participated in the after-school program at McNeill Elementary.

“Deep in my heart, I have wanted to work at Community Ed for a long time,” Oldham shared. “I’m very fortunate that things worked out the way I hoped they would.”

The organization says Oldham’s hiring was led by a search committee chaired by founding executive director Dr. Don Butler.

According to the release, Oldham’s leadership coincided with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, he guided the organization with steady resolve, upholding its mission through difficult times. Notable accomplishments under his tenure include the launch of the Safe Seats | Safe Kids program—designating Community Education as a certified child passenger safety inspection station in 2024—and the creation of the Little Purples Academy, in partnership with Bowling Green Independent School District.

A native of Indiana and proud Kentucky Colonel, Oldham made Bowling Green his home while attending Western Kentucky University, where he earned a degree in broadcast communication. His career included roles at WBKO, Commonwealth Health Corporation, WKU Division of Extended Learning and Outreach and Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center. Beyond his professional work, Oldham enjoys spending time with family, crafting upcycled bourbon bottle lamps, and volunteering.

He currently serves on the executive committee of the Bowling Green- Warren County NAACP and as Board Chair for Saturday Meals.

Stepping in as interim executive director is Joshua Smith, who has nearly two decades of experience with Community Education. A WKU graduate with a degree in Accounting, Smith went on to earn a master of arts in pastoral counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. He joined the Community Education team in 2007 and has since held multiple leadership roles, including volunteer and outreach coordinator and assistant director, a role he’s held since 2021.

During his tenure, Smith has led key community programs such as Stand for Children Day, the Teen Angel Christmas Assistance Program, and the Volunteers of the Year Awards. Reflecting on his overlapping roles in ministry (served as a Youth Pastor for 10 years) and nonprofit work, he shared, “I was so fortunate that my second job just naturally went hand-in-hand with my work here at Community Education.”

“It is truly an honor to serve this community and to be a part of an organization like Community Education with such a great history,” Smith said.

Oldham’s retirement is effective July 31.