YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley (YWCA) has named Stephanie Burrage chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 20, 2023. Burrage will replace interim CEO Martha Buchanan, who has served in this capacity since YWCA Board began a nationwide search in October 2022.
A recent Knoxville resident, Burrage lived in the Central California region until 2021. Most recently, she served as interim chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Family Services of Tulare County, a non-profit victim services agency. During her tenure at Family Services, the agency budget doubled in size, and was awarded $2.5 million from the Jeff Bezos Day 1 Family Fund.
“We are so pleased to welcome Stephanie to our team,” said Susan Edwards, president of the YWCA board of directors. “Her personal commitment to our mission was evident throughout the interview process, and she brings a unique set of skills and experience to this important work. I am excited to see where her leadership takes us in the coming years.”
“I could not be more grateful to accept the position as CEO to this well-loved organization that consists of an extremely talented team and long history of dedicated donors and nonprofit partners,” Burrage said. “My goal in leading this organization is to build on the achievements of the past 120 years. The YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley will maintain its high level of standards in eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace and will continue to expand upon our impact in East
Tennessee.”
In addition to her work in victim services, Burrage is long-time child advocate. Her introduction to the nonprofit sector began twenty-five years ago when she became a foster parent to two. Burrage continued her support by becoming a Tulare County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) child advocate and serving on the Kings County CASA board of directors.
For more information about YWCA, its mission and programs, visit www.ywcaknox.com.
About YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley:
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been serving women and their families in East Tennessee since 1899. Offerings have changed over the years to meet community needs, but one thing has remained the same for more than 100 years: women and families from all walks of life depend on our services.
The YWCA currently operates its Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Women’s Program for 58 women in downtown Knoxville. Women come to the YWCA for a variety of reasons and with a variety of needs. Whatever the reason for a woman’s stay, the program’sngoal is to provide affordable housing in a safe environment with supportive services that promote self-sufficiency.
Coordinated out of the YWCA Oak Ridge building, the YWCA also provides scattered site transitional housing services for victims of domestic violence and their families in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Roane and Sevier Counties. This program offers financial education, parenting education and trauma-informed care, including support groups and supervised visitation and safe exchange programs for families who have been affected by domestic violence.
A trusted East Knoxville community center since 1920, YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center is the main facility for the YWCA’s after school, summer and other enrichment youth programs. Phyllis Wheatley Center staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide youth with the tools necessary to overcome obstacles and to succeed in school and beyond.