ROME, Ga. – The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia Board of Directors has appointed Tannika Wester as its president and Dr. Dan Pate as its vice president for the 2013 calendar year.
"We are thrilled to have Dan and Tannika in these roles," said Kim Davis, executive director of the organization. "They have both been a huge asset to our organization. We appreciate their commitment to this task and are sure to have a great year under their leadership."
Wester, who is serving her second consecutive term as president of the Sexual Assault Center Board of Directors, is director of media relations at Darlington School. A magna cum laude graduate of Berry College, she holds a B.A. in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and has 11 years of experience in the field of educational marketing and public relations. She began her career as press and community relations assistant at Shorter College in 2002 and was hired by Darlington in 2004.
A member of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, Wester is a graduate of Leadership Rome XXIV and often participates in Young Professionals of Rome. She has also served as a Junior EYC leader at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, a mentor for Rome-Floyd Communities in Schools, a member of the Dodge Tour de Georgia Local Organizing Committee, a member of the Rome International Film Festival Board of Directors, and a member of the Hospitality House Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Organizing Committee. Additionally, she belongs to the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. She and her husband, Adam, live in Rome.
"It is truly an honor to serve the Sexual Assault Center in this capacity," said Wester, who has been a Board member since 2011. "Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide the best possible care and support to sexual assault survivors. They offer around-the-clock crisis support, they work hand in hand with law enforcement, they provide legal representation, they facilitate ongoing counseling for survivors and their families, they educate and build awareness in our community, and so much more. With more than 500 crisis calls in 2012 alone, the Sexual Assault Center is a critical resource in our area. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to further our mission and, hopefully, make 2013 our best year yet!"
Dr. Pate is the owner of the West Rome Animal Clinic. A native of Roman, he graduated from Darlington School in 1976 and went on to earn a B.A. in Economics from Wofford College and a D.V.M. from the University of Georgia. In 1990, he purchased West Rome Animal Clinic, which has been serving Rome for over 50 years. Dr. Pate attends First Presbyterian Church, where he is an Elder. He is also a member of the Exchange Club and serves as president of the Northwest Georgia Medical Association. Dr. Pate was a contestant in the Sexual Assault Center's inaugural Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge in 2011 and was the People's Choice Award Winner. He and his wife, Jill, live in Rome and have two grown children.
"I am honored to help the Sexual Assault Center with its work with victims and their families during a time of crisis," Dr. Pate said. "Also, in working with the Sexual Assault Center over the last two years, I have found the staff to be professional, caring and supportive."
In 2012, the Sexual Assault Center answered 557 crisis calls, performed 112 forensic exams and completed 235 cases with services. The organization also raised $68,000 at its second annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, 90% of which was profit. The third annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge will take place Saturday, Aug. 17, at Rome City Auditorium.
Other members of the Sexual Assault Center Board of Directors are Jay Matthews, past president; Beverly Smith, treasurer; Stephanie Owens, secretary; Dr. James Vick, medical director; Laura L. Adams, Kevin Allen, Frank Beacham, Det. Lee Carter, Patricia Crumley, Janice Davis, Matt Davis, Martha Jacobs, Cpl. Ron Morris, Det. Randy Turner, John Uldrick, Dr. Joe Vargo, Dr. Renva Watterson and Alice Williams.
The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia – which serves Bartow, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon and Polk counties – seeks to facilitate healing for victims of sexual assault and their families through on-going crisis intervention services; to promote community awareness of the Center's services; to educate our students and community about the nature of sexual assault; and to foster strong partnerships with all agencies involved in dealing with sexual assault. For more information, visit www.sacnwga.com or call 706-292-9024.
No comments:
Post a Comment