The Indiana Chapter of the National Children’s Alliance Board of Directors have elected their 2017 board. The six-member board consists of two at-large representatives and four leadership positions from around Indiana.
Jan Lutz, the Chapter Director said, “Our board members already do so much in their communities and for their CACs. Asking them to serve as Chapter board members is another responsibility in a long line of many for each of them. That they are willing to serve speaks to their dedication to the child advocacy center model.”
This year’s leadership sees Emily Perry, the Executive Director of Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers in Hendricks, Monroe, and Vigo Counties, as Board President. “I continue to be exceptionally impressed by the professionals that comprise the INCACs Board of Directors.” She said, adding, it’s a pleasure to work alongside Child Advocacy Center leaders that have a clear focus and commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of children in Indiana.”
This group always has been enormously helpful to me and my agency in all aspects…
Sarah Brichto, the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana, has been named Vice President. “This group always has been enormously helpful to me and my agency in all aspects of fundraising, legislative issues, staff, secondary trauma, work and family balance, grant writing, MDT relationships, training, and so much more. I always learn a great deal from every meeting and I believe that the group trusts one another; that isn’t easy to come by. I’m proud to work with such a great group and am honored to be in the position of Vice President,” she said.
Angie Marsh, Executive Director of Dunebrook in LaPorte County has been named Secretary. Carolyn Hahn remains Treasurer. Hahn is the Executive Director of the CASIE Center in St. Joseph County.
Jen Bushore-Berry, Executive Director of the Heartford House in Tippecanoe County and Sidney Hardgrave, Executive Director of Vanderburgh County’s Holly’s House each serve as At-Large Members.
Board President Perry said, “The Board of Directors is looking forward to engaging key community leaders from across the state. Engaging new leadership will diversify the skills and networks represented on the Chapter’s Board of Directors to ensure that Indiana CACs continue to evolve to meet the unique and complex needs of CACs.” Budgets will be a concern for the Board. Perry says, “As the breadth and depth of services continues to expand for CACs, the Board will be faced with the challenge of securing new and additional funding to support the growth in Indiana.”
Vice President Brichto added to the idea of growth and new horizons, remarking, “2017 will be a great year for CACs in Indiana. We are present in most counties and many more people understand what CAC’s do and how we work. Our relationship with partner agencies is much sturdier and supportive around the state. It seems like the CAC movement is on the verge of a leap in growth around the country. That will be interesting and invigorating.”
Brichto added, “I think this growth will potentially be as challenging as it is invigorating as different aspects of the movement overlap and diverge. But if we keep our eye on the mission of reducing trauma to children, we’ll move forward in the best way possible.”
Board members of the Indiana Chapter serve a one year, with the current term ending December 31, 2018. New officers will be elected at the Chapter’s annual meeting held in the last quarter of the year.