|
Lebanon, New Hampshire, May 15, 2026 – At WISE’s annual meeting on May 14, 2026, WISE Executive Director Peggy O’Neil announced her intended retirement at the end of the year. Peggy shared, “The work of WISE is transformational and so important. My time at WISE has been filled with accomplishments, milestones, laughter, tears, and countless AHA moments. WISE, my colleagues, and this work have opened my mind and heart to thinking and feeling differently. To experiencing life with more openness, curiosity, and love.”
“When I joined in 2003, staff were clear: they wanted to move beyond closed doors, build stronger community relationships, and actively support survivors. My role was to listen and help bring those ideas to life. We started small, learned as we went, and grew meaningful partnerships across our region. At the heart of this work are relationships grounded in trust, kindness, and respect. Leadership, for me, has always meant listening, fostering creativity, and thinking strategically about what’s possible. This work is deeply personal, and what has sustained me most is the commitment of the people here, to show up for one another and for survivors with care and integrity. It has been an honor to be part of this shared effort toward ending violence.”
Ms. O’Neil has been WISE’s Executive Director since May 2003. During her tenure, WISE shifted from a closed, office-based model to a highly collaborative, community-engaged organization, building strong, lasting partnerships across the Upper Valley, grounded in trust, accessibility, and survivor-centered relationships. She helped advance systemic change through key partnerships such as establishing and strengthening cross-sector collaborations with law enforcement, courts, and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, including the development of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program.
Over the past 23 years, WISE grew from a small organization of 6 staff with a $300,000 budget to a robust organization supporting around 1,400 survivors annually, with more than 20 staff and a budget of over $2 million. Ms. O’Neil led the development of critical infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability, including financial systems, IT, fundraising, and governance. She oversaw the creation and expansion of key programs, including the critical volunteer advocacy program, prevention and outreach programming, legal services, the Multidisciplinary Interview and Training Center (MITC), and the purchase and renovations of three buildings: WISE Program Center and two emergency shelter buildings.
Earlier in her career, Ms. O’Neil worked in Boston with a suicide prevention center, as its Executive Director, supporting schools in the aftermath of teen suicides. Ms. O’Neil later worked in Washington, D.C. on national children’s mental health services policy, partnering with communities across the country to strengthen systems of care. Family and sexual violence and trauma often surfaced as contributing factors. These experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to prevention.
Drawn by both professional experience and personal connection, she joined WISE, where she has spent the past 23 years advancing efforts to end domestic and sexual violence. Her close to four-decade career in the nonprofit sector reflects a steadfast commitment to addressing trauma and building safer, more responsive communities.
Jenny Levy, WISE Board Chair, said, “I’m deeply grateful for Peggy’s extraordinary leadership and the lasting impact she has had on WISE. She has always led with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to survivors and staff alike. Thanks to Peggy’s vision and stewardship, WISE is stronger than ever and well-positioned for the future. The Board is committed to finding a next Executive Director who will build on this foundation and continue advancing WISE’s mission in our community.”
Since 1971, WISE has provided crisis advocacy and support to individuals and communities affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking within 23 towns in the Upper Valley. With a longstanding commitment to survivor-centered care, WISE delivers comprehensive, interconnected programming that includes Advocacy, Community Education and Prevention, Forensic Interviewing, and Legal Services.
When asked about what is next for her, Peggy replied, “I’m looking forward to the possibilities of what comes next. I have learned so much from the extraordinary people at WISE, and I know I leave this work forever changed. One of the greatest gifts I carry with me is the understanding of both/and, that grief and gratitude, endings and beginnings can exist together. Leaving WISE is a significant change, and I’m holding it with openness, curiosity, and excitement for what’s ahead.”
| 
