RUMFORD — Rumford Group Homes has hired Forrest “Buzz” Yates as a case manager with the Leeds Bridge Home.

Yates earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine in 1964 and a master’s degree in administration/supervision from the University of Portland-Gorham in 1970.

He taught grades six, seven and eight, coached baseball and directed drama club at Poland Community School for six years, before accepting a principalship at Readfield Elementary School. He served in that position for 22 years.

Yates also supervised student-teachers and taught seminars out of the University of Maine at Farmington for more than three years before coming to Rumford Group Homes Inc. He has been actively involved with the Council on Accreditation committees and the Agency Management Team while with Rumford Group Homes.

Yates has been involved in numerous community service positions, including the volunteer fire department, a seat on the SAD 52 Board of Directors and treasurer for the town of Leeds.

Yates resides in Leeds with his wife of 38 years, Donna. Their family includes three daughters, four grandchildren, a Bassett hound named Gus and a miniature donkey named Willie. Yates’ favorite hobbies are golfing, hunting, fishing and carpentry.

For more information on the Leeds Bridge Home, visit the Web site at www.rumfordgrouphomes.org or call 207-524-2580.