The board and staff of SafePlace are excited to announce the selection of Sarah Lloyd as the new Executive Director. Sarah will fill the vacancy created by Mary Pontarolo’s retirement in June 2017. The selection was made after a national search and selection process.
“Sarah’s strong experience in program management will serve SafePlace well as we continue offering a variety of support services, including multiple 24/7 programs,” said Lucy Clifthorne, board chair. “Her enthusiasm and collaborative leadership will help us strengthen our community relations to ensure Thurston County continues to have community-run services and a confidential shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.”
To her new role as Executive Director of SafePlace, Sarah brings substantial experience in proactive, supportive and effective supervision, program management, and community collaboration. Most recently she was MyJOB Program Manager at Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, where she designed, planned and implemented innovative, successful programming for underserved populations. Sarah also spent time working at Community Youth Services as the Director of Youth Employment & Education.
She has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and is a Certified Master Trainer and Certified Counselor.
In anticipation of beginning her new position at SafePlace, Sarah states, “I believe strongly in the mission and vision of the work SafePlace does in our community. The importance of creating space for people to feel safe, confident and important is invaluable and SafePlace creates that space consistently, and in ways that are empowering for all people.
This opportunity to serve as SafePlace’s Executive Director is a chance to serve my community well, in ways that truly matter. In doing this important work, I am certain we will continue to positively change the world, by way of our community.”
Sarah is expected to start her new position on August 7, 2017. In order to ensure a smooth transition, Sarah will be working closely with the management team.
The public is cordially invited to attend a meet and greet on Tuesday, August 15, at the SafePlace Community Service Center at 521 Legion Way SE, Olympia from 4-7PM. This event is open to the entire community. For more information, please contact SafePlace at (360) 786-8754.
