On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to share that the Rowan Center board has enthusiastically and unanimously appointed Sharon Walker Epps as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1st. This transition marks a new and exciting chapter for our organization as we continue to champion the mission of supporting and empowering survivors of sexual violence while remaining dedicated to educating our communities about sexual violence prevention.
Sharon is a visionary leader who wears her passion for our mission proudly. She consistently strives to identify new ways to better serve survivors and our community. Her fierce advocacy for those we support uniquely positions her to lead us into this exciting new chapter.
Sharon’s extensive history with the Rowan Center has been one of commitment and growth. She joined the Board of Directors in June 2018, first serving as Board Secretary and ultimately as Board Chair from 2020 to 2024. Under her leadership, the Rowan Center underwent remarkable growth and transformation, marked by rebranding, an expansion of services, and a budget that more than doubled. Sharon’s strategic vision and determination have been instrumental in shaping our path forward.
In addition to her role on the Board, Sharon also spearheaded our marketing efforts, fostering meaningful and lasting relationships with our community partners. Her ability to connect with others has not only elevated our visibility but has also expanded our reach and raised awareness for our mission.
In early 2024, Sharon joined the staff of the Rowan Center as Chief Operating Officer, further demonstrating her commitment to and passion for the services we provide and the victims we serve. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently shown her dedication to the Rowan Center team, actively supporting the development of our trauma recovery clinic, and creating innovative marketing initiatives to broaden our reach and impact.
Sharon graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in Economics and received an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Her background, combined with her hands-on experience and unwavering dedication, equips her to lead our organization into the future.
We are fortunate to have such a passionate leader stepping up as CEO, and we look forward to introducing Sharon to you all in the coming months. We want to thank our donors and supporters for your commitment to the Rowan Center and ask for your continued support during this time of transition. Our heartfelt gratitude and special thanks to Mary Flynn for her outstanding leadership and dedication as CEO over the past seven years. Her contributions have laid a strong foundation for our future and we wish her the best in her retirement!
With gratitude,
Jennifer Barnard
Chair of the Board
The Rowan Center