Ballard Community Services’ board of directors named Christie Scanlin Dobson, a Lawrence drama therapist who has worked for numerous nonprofits, as the organization’s new executive director.

As director, Dobson will head the Ballard Center, which offers education for 1- to 6-year-old children that’s paid for on a sliding scale, depending on income. She’ll also oversee Penn House, which provides clothing, food, household goods and case management services to qualified individuals.

Christie Scanlin Dobson, new executive director of Ballard Community Services

Dobson previously served on the board of Penn House and was a member when it merged with the Ballard Center in 2005.

“I have a history with this organization, and I’ve always supported and loved what Ballard Community Services represents,” Dobson said.

Before Dobson was appointed as director, Megan Stuke, the center’s director of development and administrative services, had been filling the role.

Dobson started her career in 1992 working in the nonprofit sector in Seattle. She said she’s worked in organizations serving the homeless, at-risk youth and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Going into the position, Dobson said, she wants to build up the programs at Ballard Center and get community feedback on what services provided by Penn House are the most crucial.

In the short-term, she’s calling for donations to the nonprofit to end the year.