C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 47 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025
Wagons home! Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Kelli Nuttall, left, takes on the CEO role held by Susie Davies, right, at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises.
After decades on the job, Susie Davies is ready for more Shelly Thorene Staff writer
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fter 42 years in service to the community at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc., MORE CEO Susie Davies, 78, is ready to pass the torch. Davies confidently hands over the leadership role to MORE Director of Finance and Fund Development Kelli Nuttall, saying the change is perfectly timed with other changes coming to the nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities and enhances their quality of life. Starting in 2001, Nuttall, 44, has a total of 18 years experience at MORE, 12 consecutive. She was first employed as a direct support professional in the Lifeskills Community Access Program and, Nuttall said, even after she left the job her heart was still there.
“Susie would run into me at times out in the community, at the grocery store and say, ‘You’ll be back one day,’” Nuttall recalled with a chuckle. “You don’t say no to Susie.” Davies expressed her gratitude for the community’s continual support of her efforts, MORE’s mission and its clients.
“Susie’s one of those rare people who makes you want to show up and do your best every day,”
The clip-clop of hooves echoed on Main Street in historical downtown Placerville on June 7 as the 76th annual Highway 50 Wagon Train came to town. This tribute to the great Westward Expansion follows pioneers’ footsteps, horses’ hoof prints and wagon wheel tracks from Round Hill, Nev., to Placerville. The moving living history exhibit began this year on May 31. Above, Hangtown Marshal J Sterling, right, keeps an eye on the crowd for their safety as the Highway 50 Association Wagon Train lead hitch driven by Mark Matson and Deborah Lehr, working the brakes, makes its way down Main Street on Saturday afternoon. Right, dance troupe Sarpika performs for the crowd waiting for the Wagon Train to roll through downtown Saturday afternoon. See more photos A9. Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
— Kelli Nuttall, incoming MORE CEO “This community has welcomed our folks. El Dorado County is unique in that we look to work together,” she shared, noting the nonprofit’s mission and vision is to create full inclusion for all people. “We have eliminated the word ‘disabled.’” MORE clients praised Davies’ efforts. Lorena F., MORE client for 28 years, has worked at Marshall Hospital through the Supported ■ See DAVIES, page A5
New CEO joins Big Brothers Dina Gentry
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is proud to announce the appointment of Florence Parks as its new chief executive officer. With more than 25 years of experience in the mentoring field and a legacy of leadership at both the local and state levels, Parks brings deep expertise, vision and heart to the organization’s Courtesy photo mission of igniting the power Florence Parks joins the Big Brothers Big and promise of youth. Parks’ career is rooted in Sisters of Northern Sierra team as its new service and transformation. CEO.
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She has held leadership roles with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, Sierra Forever Families’ Wonder Mentoring Program and the faith-based Shoulder to Shoulder initiative. Her experience includes everything from supervising staff and program specialists to designing statewide mentor certification processes. Parks has also served as Chair of the BBBS State Association and has been an active voice in the California Mentoring ■ See PARKS, page A5
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