Joy Delisle, CEO
Joy Delisle was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Buckhorn Children & Family Services (BCFS) on April 21, 2025. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, youth services, and addiction recovery, Joy brings a deep passion for serving the most vulnerable and at-risk populations. Prior to joining BCFS, Joy lived and worked in multiple states. She was responsible for developing, managing, and growing behavioral health services throughout up to 10 states at one time. In 2016, it was the horse industry that originally brought Joy to Kentucky. She says, “Kentucky feels like home. I have been blessed with opportunities to truly make a difference in people’s lives, when they’ve needed it most”.
Known for her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to creating positive change, Joy is leading BCFS into its next chapter—focused on expanding programs, deepening community partnerships, and strengthening the organization’s mission to provide hope and healing for at-risk children, adults, and families throughout Kentucky.
joy.delisle@buckhorn.org
Mitch Smith, Chief Financial Officer
A native Breathitt Countian, Mitch Smith brings over ten years of experience in governmental and not-for-profit finance to Buckhorn Children and Family Services’ executive team. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2011, Mitch returned to eastern Kentucky where he has devoted the majority of his professional life. As a member of the executive team, he helps to ensure that the Agency’s finances are consistently aligned in a manner conducive to both its short and long-term strategic goals.
He and the executive team ensure a safe and nurturing environment through monitoring, managing and providing leadership among campus and program operations. By combining an innovative and fiscally responsible approach, Mitch hopes to help the Agency make a lasting and positive impact on its most important stakeholders – the clients!
Patty Wilder, Chief Operating Officer
Patty Wilder has over 28 years’ experience with Buckhorn Children & Family Services. Ms. Wilder has a degree in Human Resource Management. She is responsible for the overall management of the agency’s operations and the overall administration of the various human resource functions including policy and benefit administration, personnel records management, employee development, and employee issue resolution.
She and the Executive Team ensure that quality services are provided in support of employment, training, employee relations, benefits, and the retention of a highly diverse workforce to ensure productivity and customer satisfaction, as well as ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for clients in all agency programs, adding overall value to the Agency’s mission.
Roger Coleman, Chief Clinical Officer
Roger Coleman has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. he has over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. He has been with Buckhorn for the last five years and is currently the Chief Clinical Officer. He has worked with the youth in the RTF, PRTF, Foster Care and the DDID program since his employment here at Buckhorn Children & Family Services.
Richard Wilson, Chief Development Officer
Richard is the Chief Development Officer for Buckhorn Children and Family Services, bringing extensive experience in campaign management, fundraising, and community engagement. He has successfully managed major donor portfolios, exceeding revenue goals and fostering lasting supporter relationships. With a strategic approach and strong communication skills, he effectively conveys the impact of donor contributions and inspires continued support. Committed to community engagement, Richard serves on boards and committees, contributing to meaningful initiatives. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife, two children, and two dogs.
richard.wilson@buckhorn.org
Darlene Herald, Director of Compliance
Emma Darlene Herald (Darlene), a Breathitt County native, is a 1975 graduate of Morehead State University, with a Bachelor of Science with Area of Concentration in Business. Darlene had a 40+ year career in Long Term Health Care Fiance and Administration, primarily private not-for profit facilities. She retired in the late Spring of 2017, to quickly realize she didn’t like retirement, so she returned to work, writing grants for a Housing Development Non-Profit prior to joining the Buckhorn Children & Family Services team. Darlene says “I am proud to be a part of this long-standing service to Kentucky’s at risk children and families.”
