“Elk Hill enables children and families to transform overwhelming challenges into successful futures. Through specialized education, community-based services and residential treatment programs, children and families can discover the academic, vocational, behavioral, and relationship skills they need to be successful.”

Ron Spears has been with Elk Hill since 1984. He has served as a Team Leader, Admissions and Aftercare Coordinator, Director of Community Services, Director of Programs, and Chief Operations Officer. He knows every Elk Hill program from the ground up and has helped them evolve as the needs of our young men and women change. Mr. Spears has served as President of the Virginia Association of Specialized Educational Facilities (VAISEF) and served on their Board for over 25 years. He is currently on the Board of the Virginia Coalition of Private Provider Associations (VCOPPA), and has been recognized by the Central Virginia Partnership on Youth as the 2012 Outstanding Private Partner of the Year for actively demonstrating community collaboration and service to youth and families.

Ron has also served as an adjunct professor at John Tyler Community College since 2012. He holds a bachelor's degree from Wilberforce University in Ohio and a master’s in Youth and Child Care Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ron resides in rural Powhatan County, where he serves on the board of the Free Clinic and spends his free time playing 50 and over basketball locally and nationally. He is married to his best friend, Linda; and they have two adult children, and four grandchildren.