October 19, 2020
Contact: communications@safehorizon.org, 646-306-1136
NEW YORK – Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services agency, announced Liz Roberts as interim Chief Executive Officer.
Roberts has served Safe Horizon for a decade, first as Chief Program Officer and since 2014 as Deputy CEO. Prior to joining Safe Horizon, Roberts served as Deputy Commissioner, Family Support Services at the city’s Administration for Child Services. Roberts began her 30-year career in victim’s services as a domestic violence hotline worker.
Roberts will lead Safe Horizon on an interim basis while the organization conducts an open search for a new CEO.
The organization’s current CEO, Ariel Zwang, is departing at the end of the year to join the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, commonly known as the JDC, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Safe Horizon is the nation’s largest victim services agency. Safe Horizon helps 250,000 New Yorkers a year who are victims of crime or abuse find safety, support, hope, and connection.
“I am so grateful for the 12 and a half years I spent with Safe Horizon,” said Zwang. “The commitment and excellence of my colleagues inspired me every day. I have complete confidence that Safe Horizon will continue to provide the highest levels of support to victims in need for decades to come.”
“This city needs Safe Horizon now more than ever. Liz’s deep knowledge of Safe Horizon and expertise on supporting victims will allow her to lead with continuity during the time of transition,” said Board Chair Mike Slocum. “We are lucky to have had the benefit of Ariel’s skills and leadership for so many years. We all wish her extremely well in her next chapter.”
“Safe Horizon’s work saves lives in New York City every day,” said Roberts. “Every year, we help 250,000 New Yorkers who have experienced crime or abuse find safety, support, hope, and connection. That work will continue. I’m honored to be a part of that and to help lead the organization forward.”
The Safe Horizon CEO search committee is working with the global executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles and its social impact executive search practice, which specializes in helping philanthropy, government, higher education, academic and non-profit clients find new leadership.
Safe Horizon is committed to an open process. Those interested in applying should contact SafeHorizonCEO@Heidrick.com.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more information please visit safehorizon.org.