We are entering Sexual Assault Awareness Month with some very exciting news! Rape Victim Advocates is pleased to announce that our new Executive Director, Erin Walton, will be joining the RVA team on April 10th, 2017.

“I am overjoyed to join the RVA team,” said Erin. “I look forward to working with its board, staff, volunteers and partners in building upon its foundation of service excellence, education and advocacy.”

Erin currently serves as the Development Director at Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS), a 168-year-old child welfare agency recognized for its work with vulnerable children and families. Hired for this position in September 2007, Erin is responsible for supporting the mission and vision of the agency and its general operating budget by developing and implementing fundraising strategies and building collaborative and supportive relationships with both private and public partners. She has focused on increasing support from individual donors, building and cultivating current and prospective relationships, and advancing the agency’s major gifts program. In addition to her organizational work, Erin consults with other not-for-profit organizations in the areas of strategic planning and quality improvement.

Erin also volunteers with Autism Speaks, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and funding research into causes, prevention and cures for autism. She participates through fundraising, donating and advocating on behalf of the children and families affected by autism.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree, both from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Erin is a wife and a mother of 3 children.

“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to welcome Erin as RVA’s new Executive Director,” said Anne Biere, RVA Board President. “Erin’s experiences in the nonprofit sector and strength with quality improvement will supplement our existing leadership team’s expertise perfectly. We look forward to RVA’s future and the mission work we will accomplish together.”

We invite you all to meet Erin at our annual gala, Soirée in the City, on Thursday, June 1st at Morgan Manufacturing from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. We hope to see you there and thank you for always supporting RVA!