After nearly 23 years serving as executive director of The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV), Deborah DeBare has recently accepted a position as Senior Deputy Director at the National Network to End Domestic Violence. There, she will be working with coalitions from around the country to strengthen their capacity and solidify the work of the domestic violence movement on a national platform.
"My two decades of service at the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence have been extremely fulfilling and consistently challenging in ways I would never have expected," said DeBare. "I have witnessed tremendous changes and pivots in the domestic violence movement during my time here, and I'm proud of all we have accomplished. After reflecting on what's ahead, both for me and for RICADV, I am confident that the organization is well-prepared for this transition, with the staff, board, infrastructure, and resources necessary to move successfully into the future."
During DeBare's tenure, the RICADV has achieved national recognition for their innovative domestic violence prevention initiatives, for their ground-breaking communications work, and for Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships (SOAR), their award-winning taskforce of survivors. In addition, DeBare and the RICADV Policy Team are highly respected in the RI Statehouse and beyond, having helped pass numerous bills that seek to help victims of domestic violence, their families, and all Rhode Islanders.
DeBare's influence was instrumental in the passage of legislation that established a Domestic Violence Prevention Fund in Rhode Island, which has supported over a dozen local prevention initiatives since it was established two years ago. Under her leadership, the RICADV expanded to welcome five new affiliate member agencies, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to meaningful partnership with marginalized communities and other allied organizations.
"From the time Deb joined the RICADV in 1995, her creativity, passion, and thoughtful planning have helped lead the agency to become fiscally sound, programmatically diverse, flexible, strong, and well-prepared," said Jennifer Meade, president of the RICADV Board of Directors. "She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of accomplishment, and has left an indelible mark on this organization and our state."
The RICADV Board of Directors will be hiring an interim administrator to ensure a smooth transition while undertaking a systematic search process for the new executive director. DeBare will remain at RICADV through May in order to support the organization through this transition.
