We are saddened to share the recent passing of our dear friend and former TACFS Chief Financial Officer, Peggy Pugh. Peggy’s work was mostly behind the scenes but she was integral to the growth and impact of the organization.
In 2017, when Katie Olse joined TACFS, there were only two staff, Sarah Combs and Peggy Pugh. The trio carried the big responsibility of helping shepherd TACFS into its future. Peggy was often cast in the familiar finance role: focused on the budget, deep in spreadsheets, the voice of caution or the bearer of tough news. But that was never the full picture of Peggy.
Peggy was passionate about forward thinking and the hard work to get there, and was always ready to lend a hand on any project. Her extensive knowledge of the child welfare system and nonprofit work guided TACFS through amazing growth and innovation. She was instrumental in reviving the Center’s work by creating its first downgranting program during Hurricane Harvey. This event was the start of expanding the scope of our work to include a broader range of services to our members and the child welfare community. At TACFS, Peggy’s accomplishments were many and included managing and supporting PanAid, COVID-19 and winter storm downgranting, T3C, and more.
Our Peggy was deeply mission-driven. She cared profoundly about TACFS members and believed, as strongly as any of us, that providers would lead the future of system transformation. She consistently found ways to support priorities while keeping members front and center, and she never hesitated to jump into program, advocacy, learning, or training conversations. Peggy’s legacy is woven into every part of the organization today.
Peggy began her career in corporate accounting and later became the CFO of TACFS member organization DePelchin Children’s Center in Houston where she served for 13 years. During that time, she also served as the treasurer of the TACFS Board of Directors. Peggy retired from DePelchin and the Board in 2014 and moved from Houston to Fredericksburg. She agreed initially to work on a very part-time basis as the TACFS bookkeeper, which then turned to full time plus, until she finally retired for good in 2024.
Her impact is still felt in the work today.
Peggy was always the smartest person in the room, and for those who knew her well, she was also the most fun and interesting. She was an avid runner and hiker, an award-winning baker, and an extensive traveler—she visited every national park and every state in the US. Her friendship extended beyond the office and we will forever be grateful to have known her.
She was a trusted advisor, counselor, historian, and motivator for those on the TACFS team as well as on the Board. Peggy was a wonderful lunch companion who—despite her tough cookie exterior—loved a good laugh as much as anyone. She will be sorely missed by our staff and network.