Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Appoints Interim CEO June 3, 2024
The Board of the Directors of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) today announced that Nicole McKinney-Johnson will serve as the organization’s interim President and CEO, effective June 10.
“As a community member, volunteer and former CRCC Board member, Nicole has been a strong champion for CRCC’s mission and a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual violence,” said Lisa Radigan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “She understands how critical CRCC’s services are to the community and will be focused on delivering help to those who need it, when they need it.”
With more than 25 years of leadership, business development and human resources experience, McKinney-Johnson has worked in roles with various northeast Ohio businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Currently, she serves as Chief People Officer and Director of Human Resources for The AKA Team, a construction management company, and the JABALI Group, LLC, an administrative management company. She is taking a leave of absence from her role to serve as CRCC’s interim CEO. McKinney-Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources/organizational management from Wilberforce University and a master’s in business administration/human resource strategies from Ursuline College.
In addition, McKinney-Johnson is actively involved in the Northeast Ohio community as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors at Lakeland Community College, where she serves on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and a facilitator and curriculum advisor with J.O.B.S. Opportunities Breakthrough Services, a faith-based re-entry 10-week employment placement program. McKinney-Johnson has also served on the CRCC Board of Directors and was the Chair of its Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, but has stepped down to serve as interim CEO.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead CRCC during this time of transition,” said McKinney-Johnson. “I look forward to working with our Board, incredible staff and partners as we work to secure new leadership. CRCC does important work for our community, and we will remain committed to ensuring equitable access to high levels of care for survivors.”
The Board continues to work with Bridge Partners, a minority-owned executive search firm known for their inclusive search process, to conduct a national search to identify CRCC’s next permanent leader. Sondra Miller, who served as CRCC’s President and CEO for more than a decade, announced in May that she will step down from her role.
Under Miller’s leadership, CRCC grew its service area to four counties in Northeast Ohio and now provides direct services to more than 10,000 survivors annually, regardless of gender identity, age, race or religious preference. She also helped expand CRCC’s work to include raising awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and rape and amplifying the voices of survivors. During her tenure, Miller also forged partnerships with key stakeholders, supporters and funders and diversified CRCC’s revenue sources.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sondra for her commitment and tireless efforts to elevate CRCC’s resources, reach and offerings in Northeast Ohio,” Radigan said. “As we celebrate CRCC’s 50th anniversary this year, we are well positioned to serve survivors and continue providing life-changing care to those who need it most for years to come.”
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About the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s mission is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. Our vision is the elimination of sexual violence. Each year, CRCC provides direct support and services to more than 10,000 survivors in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties and reaches tens of thousands more community members with prevention and education programs. Our 24/7 crisis and support hotline is available to call or text at: (216) 619-6192, or visit clevelandrapecrisis.org to learn more.