Keith Eric Pitts Honored With Marvin J. Huston General’s Award
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(Piketon) – The Community Action Committee of Pike County President and CEO, Keith Eric Pitts, has been awarded the Marvin J. Huston General’s Award by the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD). This distinguished honor recognizes “Outstanding Contributions and Commitment to the People of Appalachian Ohio in the War on Poverty.”
Keith is only the 24th recipient of this award, joining a select group of leaders who have devoted their lives to service in our region.
“This is a humbling moment in my life”, said Pitts. “I follow in the footsteps of giants in the movement and join a select group that have received the award. This particular honor is an individual award, but I assure you, it is a culmination of the efforts of a thousand hands. I would not be receiving it without the tireless work of all of you who have given every day to make people’s lives just a little bit better. Each and every one of you holds a piece of this achievement.”
As a U.S. Army veteran, Keith brings discipline, integrity, and a profound sense of duty to every role he undertakes. His military service shaped not only his character but also his philosophy of leadership—instilling in him the belief that no mission is too great when approached with courage, strategy, and teamwork. These lessons continue to guide his approach to the “War on Poverty,” where he views each challenge as a call to serve, protect, and uplift the most vulnerable in our communities. His service reflects not just a career, but a calling.
Keith’s story in the CAC is a powerful example of leadership rooted in both vision and compassion. His journey began at the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, where he first served as Director of Technical Services before moving into community development leadership. From there, he joined the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) as Community Development Division Director, where he boldly pushed the boundaries of what was possible—spearheading the weatherization of an entire town, expanding statewide training operations, and establishing a standard of excellence that placed Ohio at the forefront of the national movement.
In 2012, Keith came home to Pike County, where his leadership has transformed CAC into a multi-focus social service organization and Federally Qualified Health Center with more than 350 employees and a $39 million operating budget. In 2016, Keith’s role evolved into him becoming President and CEO of CAC. He has guided exponential growth at Valley View Health Centers, expanded the 340B Pharmacy Program, and launched the Community Empowerment Division to directly address the social determinants of health in the region. In addition, he has trusted and empowered the CAC team members to growing the impact of our health care, housing, transportation, early childhood education, and workforce opportunities for thousands across four Southern Ohio counties.
Keith’s dedication to the War on Poverty is not only professional—it is deeply personal. His father, Bob Pitts—affectionately known as “Bubba”—was a respected leader in the Community Action movement. His legacy of advocacy, service, and integrity laid the foundational beliefs for Keith’s career. In carrying forward his father’s work, Keith has honored that legacy with his own unique gifts: a steady vision, a bold approach to innovation, and a relentless commitment to dignity and equity with the same steadfast commitment to “Service over Self.”
Keith’s impact extends far beyond CAC. For nearly two decades, he has been a guiding force within COAD, serving as Board Chair, Immediate Past Chair, and a member of multiple key committees. His leadership has strengthened advocacy, guided strategic priorities, and ensured COAD’s relevance in a changing world.
As a U.S. Army veteran, Keith also brings discipline, integrity, and a profound sense of duty to every role he undertakes. His service reflects not just a career but a calling.
While the General’s Award is often seen as a “lifetime achievement award,” Keith reminds us that the work is ongoing, and the mission is as urgent as ever.
“This work is hard. It wears on you, and some days the only thing that brings you back is the knowledge that we are the only thing standing between a client and abject hopelessness.”
For Keith, this award is not a finish line, but a reminder of what is possible when people come together with purpose. It represents the “thousand hands” who work each day to lift up their neighbors and build stronger communities. His leadership has shown us what it means to combine Vision with Action. Under his guidance, CAC has become more than a social service agency—it has become a beacon of hope for Southern Ohio, demonstrating what is possible when compassion, innovation, and determination meet.
