Supporter message: KCSARC CEO to retire in 2023

A message to KCSARC supporters from Board President Marilyn Sherron

After an incredible 43 years leading the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Chief Executive Officer Mary Ellen Stone has informed the Board and staff that she will be retiring, effective in the fall of 2023.

Over those four decades, Mary Ellen has laid essential foundations, establishing and strengthening the organization into what has become a respected, comprehensive provider of supportive services for survivors of sexual assault and their families.

Her passion, tenacity and leadership have shaped KCSARC into the strong, vibrant nonprofit it is today — one that is both resilient in the face of challenge and able to rise to new opportunities. We are deeply grateful to Mary Ellen for all that she has achieved, and in the coming months, there will be opportunities for us to celebrate a lifetime of work and progress for survivors of sexual assault.

For now, I want to assure you that the KCSARC Board has the experience and background to identify our next CEO, and to support a smooth transition. I can tell you with certainty we stand on solid ground as an organization and are well-positioned to undertake this transition. My confidence that we can build on Mary Ellen’s legacy stems from KCSARC’s extraordinary staff. This dedicated team is fully engaged and is committed to ensuring a successful transition.

As essential partners in KCSARC’s mission, you can expect transparency about this process and our progress. We look forward to sharing more information with you in the next few months.

With a roadmap, a deep commitment by the Board and staff, and with the support of you, our partners, I’m confident KCSARC will continue to raise its voice and empower survivors and their families to speak out for a very long time to come.

Thank you for sharing our vision and helping to build a world free from sexual violence.

Marilyn Sherron, KCSARC Board President