It’s More Than a Career — It’s a Purpose! An Interview with Dave Pankotai, CEO of Seven Counties Services

At Seven Counties Services, we believe our work is more than just a job — it’s our purpose. Our teams make a difference in people’s lives by providing care, hope, and healing across our communities.

Our CEO, Dave Pankotai, lives out that purpose every day. From starting his career as a therapist to leading Seven Counties Services, Dave’s journey is driven by compassion, curiosity, and a passion for helping others. We sat down with Dave to talk about his role, his path to leadership, and what inspires him most about the work we do.

What Does a CEO Do?

“A CEO’s primary responsibilities are team building and strategic planning. As Lee Iacocca once said, ‘I hire people brighter than me and get out of their way.’”

Dave says that leadership at Seven Counties is about helping people work well together toward a shared goal.

“Seven Counties Services has a long history of meeting the needs of our communities in very creative ways,” he explains. “Each of you plays an important part in the success of SCS, and I would never pretend to know more than you about the roles you play.”

For Dave, curiosity, questioning, and communication are key to leading effectively.

“A big part of my job is to analyze how well everyone is working together toward a common goal — in our case, helping more people. I have plenty of curiosity and a lot of questions. Communication skills, however, continue to evolve, and since they vary by circumstances, they are always a priority.”

When it comes to strategy, Dave believes in staying focused on people — both inside and outside the organization.

“Strategic planning is the roadmap to our goal of helping more people. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when faced with big issues. An important role for any CEO is to clarify the goals and to clearly describe the path forward. In uncertain times, this can be tricky, but you cannot go wrong by keeping the focus on people.”

How Did You Go from Being a Therapist to Being a CEO?

“My path to becoming an Executive Director and CEO is equal parts luck, timing, hard work, a focus on helping people, and a personal desire to learn more about the systems that help people,” Dave says.

He adds that he’s always tried to be open with his leaders about wanting to grow and learn.

“I found it beneficial to let leaders know I was interested in learning and doing more — to express my ideas and suggestions, and to ask a lot of questions.”

That curiosity and drive to understand the bigger picture eventually led him to leadership roles where he could make a difference on a larger scale.

What Is the Most Rewarding Part of Your Job?

“Without a doubt, it’s helping people,” Dave says. “It’s rewarding to know Seven Counties is helping thousands of people, but it’s the personal stories and direct connections that fill my heart and keep me energized.”

He admits that there are always challenges, but the mission makes every obstacle worth it.

“There are always frustrations, problems, setbacks, and obstacles, but if not for us — who? Who would be speaking on behalf of the people we serve? Who would be looking for innovative ways to help even more people? Who would be pointing out the rules, regulations, and funding limitations that get in the way of helping people? Who would be listening and responding to people and communities about their ideas, their needs, and their hopes?”

How Do You Maintain Your Mental Health While Running a Large Organization Like Seven Counties Services?

“This one is a bit uncomfortable, but I will be open,” Dave says. “Knowing that so many people — our team members, their families, the people we serve, and their families — can be impacted by a decision I make (or don’t make) is heavy. These feelings ebb and flow depending on how well things are going, but that pressure is always there.”

He says one of the best things he’s done is make sure he has people he can talk to.

“I have people I can vent to, share ideas with, and get support from,” he explains. “I also recommend that we all use our leave time — take time for yourself and disconnect.” When he does take time off, Dave enjoys exploring Kentucky and traveling. “I am enjoying exploring Kentucky with my fiancée, Kimberly, during my time off and traveling to see friends and family.”

If a Friend Asked You What’s Great About Working at Seven Counties Services, What Would You Tell Them?

“Seven Counties is a community of caring people who are welcoming and accepting,” Dave says. “It has been operating since 1978 and has helped tens of thousands of people. I am humbled and honored to be in my position.” He adds that the work people do here truly matters — every role helps change lives and strengthen communities.

Final Thoughts

For Dave Pankotai, leadership isn’t just about running an organization — it’s about helping people live better lives.

At Seven Counties Services, that belief guides everything we do. Together, we serve our community with compassion, creativity, and purpose. If you’d like to join our mission, please view our open career opportunities here.

Because here, it’s more than a career — it’s a purpose.