(La Porte, IN) - The first lady in the City of La Porte has a new job effective January 1, 2022. 

Jackie Dermody is the new chief executive officer of Family Advocates. She replaces Karen Biernacki, who founded and headed up the organization for more than 30 years.

Dermody is a former Probation Officer for the LaPorte Circuit Court, working with juvenile and adult offenders. She's also the former owner of a small business in LaPorte, partnering with her husband, Tom. After selling the company, she started a nonprofit that connected employees with community resources to assist them in maintaining employment.

Family Advocates offers programs and other support designed to strengthen at-risk families, including CASA, CYA, and Harmony House.