(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The WISH Board of Directors announced Friday they unanimously voted on January 4, 2017 to hire Agnes Moran as WISH's new Executive Director.

Moran was born and raised in Ketchikan. Most recently, she has been instrumental in working with the Salvation Army to open up the overnight warming center. She is also on the board of the First City Homeless Services. She has great compassion for working on behalf of vulnerable populations. Her official start date is January 23, 2017.

WISH Board Chair, Don Moss, acknowledged the board's Transition Team with undertaking a thorough and thoughtful recruitment and for dedicating many hours to the process. Moss also thanked contractor, Jayne Andreen, who worked diligently and tirelessly with the Board and Transition Team.

Interim Executive Director, Katie TePas, will be leaving WISH on January 11, 2017. Prior to her departure TePas will work closely with Moran on training and orientation to ensure a smooth transition. The WISH Board of Directors and staff said they were grateful for TePas’ leadership during the time of transition at the agency. Due to TePas’ efforts, WISH’s services to victims and survivors of domestic violence have been greatly strengthened. Together with the staff and Board, TePas laid a solid foundation from which Moran will be able to continue to build on according to a news release.

The WISH Board of Directors said the agency remains committed to providing a safe place, advocacy and education for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Quoting a news release, "We know that working together we can prevent violence and build a safe and healthy community that is free of fear and violence."

In September 2015, Women In Safe Homes (WISH) was put on probation by the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA). CDVSA is the state agency responsible for funding and administrative oversight of 18 shelters throughout Alaska.

The original probation document cited nine systemic issues involving staff, participants and community partners which included procedural issues, a violation of record-keeping regulations, and a lack of training for board and staff. Prior to the end of the probation period, WISH received some resignations from board members and staff. In December 2016, WISH was removed from probation; however, the CDVSA continues to require more frequent reporting on operations and finances.

The WISH annual membership meeting will be taking place in February of 2017. Any person interested in serving on the board should contact WISH for a board member application.

WISH serves the communities of Ketchikan, Saxman, Petersburg, Wrangell, Prince of Wales and Metlakatla.

Reporting & Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

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