Lorick leaving Terre Haute human relations post – Terre Haute Tribune Star

A disabled woman facing possible eviction and needing a housing accommodation met with Jeff Lorick Thursday.

In a few minutes, Lorick helped her understand how to request what she needs and ensure that she is protected under federal housing laws.

Its that part of Loricks job he has found most satisfying during his more than 10 years as executive director of the Terre Haute Human Relations Commission.

In a few weeks, though, Lorick, 57, will leave his position and Terre Haute for a new job in Clearwater, Florida.

Ive been extremely satisfied with the work that Ive done over these 10 years, the people that weve helped and being part of really meaningful programming in our community, he said.

Going to Pinellas County is the next evolution for me in terms of my professional development. To continue the work that I believe in so passionately and enjoy doing, and to have an opportunity to affect a larger population appeals to me.

Floridas Gulf Coast is also a part of the country where Lorick said hed like to retire.

Lorick served for about a year as a Human Relations Commission member before being tapped as executive director during the administration of former Mayor Kevin Burke.

The Indianapolis native came to Terre Haute on a football scholarship to Indiana State University in 1978. Toward the end of his college days he launched a barbershop and family hair care business, but Lorick said hes also retiring from that business.

The kind of guy who is liked by nearly everyone he meets, Lorick recalled that he jumped at the chance to be a part of the Human Relations Commission, which is tasked with investigating all complaints of discrimination within the city.

I was all about that, he said. Protecting peoples rights and being on the front lines of injustice and inequity really spoke to me. Ever since then I have been working on behalf of under-represented communities, advocating for the folks who often dont have a voice or presence in the city.

Lorick said he believes the commission has improved its effectiveness during his tenture.

We have done really really good work in being an advocate for communities that dont have a voice, whether theyre disabled, minority or poor,he said.

Loricks planned departure is sad news, said Diann McKee, senior vice president of finance and administration at Indiana State University and a Human Relations Commission member. Jeff has been a thoughtful, persistent and capable leader of the commission but also has been a great leader in our community.

Citing Loricks many hats that also include minister, coach and mentor, Sylvester Edwards, president of the Greater Terre Haute chapter of the NAACP, said he has helped make us who we are. It will take a number of people to fill his many roles.

Lorick launched a Martin Luther King Summit that provides motivation and encouragement to 200 minority youths on the holiday in honor of the civil rights leader; began a diversity writing program for second graders in Vigo County Schools; and developed a minority internship program that provides paid summer internships to more than 20 minority students.

Also during his tenure, the citys discrimination ordinance was broadened to cover gender identity and sexual orientation. He is active with the Indiana Consortium of Civil Rights Agencies, International Human Rights Workers and has served as Midwest regional chair for the National Association of Human Rights Workers.

Lorick has pursued another passion outside his official capacities by developing and launching Theater Seven, an inclusive theater company with a charitable component.

Lorick called Terre Haute a wonderful town that I have grown to love. I have a tremendous respect for folks who are in leadership positions in our city who can affect the lives of under-served and under-represented communities. I have engaged them in conversation and they have been willing to listen and help in any way they can. I have enjoyed those relationships and will miss them.

In Pinnelas County, which has more than 900,000 residents, he will serve as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outreach officer.

Mayor Duke Bennett is on vacation and did not respond to a request for comment.

Lorick said he hopes Terre Haute continues to work toward inclusion and believes its Human Relations Commission will continue in an upward trajectory.

Dave Taylor can be reached at 812-231-4299 or dave.taylor@tribstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @TribStarDave.

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Lorick leaving Terre Haute human relations post - Terre Haute Tribune Star