BATESVILLE, IN — Cari Kettman has been named the new executive director of Safe Passage following unanimous approval by the non-profit organization’s Board of Directors.
She replaces Jane Yorn, who announced earlier this year her intent to retire after leading Safe Passage for 11 years. Yorn is also one of the founders of the organization, which was established in 1997.
“As a Board of Directors, we have no greater responsibility than to select the next leader of Safe Passage. This is a charge that we take very seriously and earlier this year we established a formal Search Committee and engaged the services of an outside search firm to help us with this process, ” said board president Matt Wessel.
After an expansive internal and external search the board agreed on Kettman as the new Executive Director.
Kettman’s involvement with Safe Passage dates back many years, first as a Shelter Support Specialist and Advocate, then as a board member, to her current position for the past three years as Director of Community-Based Services reporting directly to Yorn as a member of her leadership team.
Kettman is completing a master’s degree in social work and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Aside from social work, she has also worked with county and city government in between her positions with Safe Passage.
Kettman has four children and lives in Milan.
“The mission of Safe Passage is so important and one of great honor to fulfill, especially in a six-county region filled with caring community members and supportive collaborative partnerships,” Kettman said. “I am humbled and excited to passionately continue walking alongside our resilient survivors, top-notch staff, and dedicated board in this new role to ensure that help, hope, and healing are possible for everyone impacted by domestic and sexual violence.“
Kettman worked with Yorn during the past month on transitioning the leadership of the agency and assumed the title of Executive Director on June 1.
Yorn will remain engaged with the agency on a part-time basis ensuring transition success through September.
“We realize a change of leadership can bring both excitement and uncertainty, and we are confident that Jane is leaving the agency in a position of strength. As we celebrate Safe Passage’s 25th anniversary this year, we are hopeful that this next chapter will involve the community’s continued support and engagement which has been essential in helping us fulfill Safe Passage’s mission each and every day,” Wessel said.
Proclamations and a campaign celebrating the organization’s 25 years of service will be made later this summer.
