ATLANTA, Feb. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) Board of Directors today appointed Meagan Fulmer as president and chief executive officer of the organization. She will assume office on March 1, 2012. Meagan has been promoted from vice president of development to succeed Cathy Willis Spraetz.
Fulmer's experience with non-profit leadership includes roles with the American Heart Association and, most recently, March of Dimes. During her tenure with both organizations, she developed a strong foundation in organizational development, volunteer recruitment and revenue generation. In 2010, she successfully led a 6 percent revenue increase while managing over 200 employees in five states for the March of Dimes. Additionally, three of the states managed by Fulmer received the March of Dimes President's Team Award for financial performance in 2010.
"Meagan has an incredible background with non-profit organizations and has demonstrated the ability and passion to lead this organization into the future," said Anne Bowen-Long, chair of PADV Board of Directors. "We are eager to continue bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and empower people to finally begin to discuss it. The board is confident in Meagan's ability to lead PADV in fulfilling our mission of ending the crime of domestic partner violence."
"I am honored to lead an organization that performs such important work," said Fulmer. "We have an incredible staff and volunteers that make a difference every day. My goal is continue to build on the impressive foundation built by Cathy Willis Spraetz and focus on making moves that will make domestic violence prevention a cause that everyone wants to support."
Fulmer succeeds Cathy Willis Spraetz who will step down after an astonishing 12 years as PADV CEO. During her tenure, Spraetz successfully increased PADV's budget by more than 150% and established the organization's flagship programs including Teen Dating Violence Prevention, Domestic Violence in the Workplace and the "Silent No More" Candlelight Vigil. Additionally, Spraetz was able to grow the organization from 15 staff positions in 2000 to 34 currently.
"PADV is on the cusp of doing many more great things for the women and children we serve," said Spraetz. "I am leaving the organization in very capable hands and believe that Meagan will serve as an excellent leader for the cause."
Fulmer is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with further certification in executive leadership and change management at Cornell University.
About PADV
Headquartered in Decatur, GA, PADV operates the largest domestic violence organization in metro Atlanta. PADV provides comprehensive prevention, community education and advocacy programs in efforts to end domestic violence. PADV touches the lives of over 27,000 women and children each year and the funds raised stay in Georgia. Visit www.padv.org to learn more about how to get involved.