ETTC search ends for new director

TARA BERGER East Texas Treatment Center officials have ended a long search for the person who would fill the shoes of Merlyn Holmes, director of public relations and marketing. Tara Berger has stepped up to the task and has her sneakers on.

Berger comes to Kilgore from Dodge City, Kan., where she worked as a newspaper advertising account executive for 10 years and also as director of marketing for a car dealership during four of those years.

Berger attended Emporia State, in Emporia, Kan., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in marketing.

She said while she has little experience in fundraising — a big part of her job at ' — she does have experience in festival and event planning.

Since her arrival, Berger has been in training, hitting the streets with Holmes to meet as many in the community as possible.

"It is important that I get out and meet the donors and volunteers who make the treatment center's events possible," Berger said. "I want to meet anyone who does anything for the fundraiser."

Berger added she knows her position is a challenge, but said the is up to the task.

"It is amazing all that I have learned this week," Berger said. "The passion that all of the people here is impressive."