Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Announces Planned Leadership Transition May 3, 2024
Sondra Miller to step down after 11 years as President & CEO; Board of Directors has launched search for next CEO
Today the Board of Directors of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) announced that Sondra Miller, who has served as President & CEO for more than a decade, will step down effective May 31, 2024 to pursue other opportunities. The Board has convened a Transition Committee and engaged Bridge Partners, a minority-owned executive search firm known for their inclusive search process centered in equity, to conduct a national search to identify CRCC’s next leader. Sondra will remain as a senior advisor to ensure a smooth transition.
“Under Sondra’s leadership, CRCC has become one of the largest independent rape crisis centers in the nation and is considered a model for similar organizations,” said Lisa Radigan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Sondra has multiplied the impact of CRCC exponentially and during her tenure as CEO, helped more than 100,000 survivors of sexual violence throughout Northeast Ohio receive life-changing, if not life-saving, care. The Board is grateful for Sondra’s leadership and wishes her all the best as she moves forward.”
“It has been my honor to lead CRCC and work alongside team members, community partners and funders who are equally passionate about CRCC’s mission. The work we do has a lasting impact, and I am immensely proud of what we have been able to accomplish together,” said Sondra. “Although I am stepping down as CEO, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.”
Sondra joined CRCC as Director of Education, Outreach & Community Partnerships in 2009 and was appointed President & CEO by the Board in 2013. Under her leadership, CRCC expanded its services to meet survivors where they are and eliminate barriers to accessing care. As a result, 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. The scope of CRCC’s work also expanded to encompass raising awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and rape and amplifying the voices of survivors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sondra guided her team to find the best ways to continue providing services and ensure that resources were consistently available during the time of greatest need. In addition, CRCC continues to be a trusted expert and leader in the community during critical social movements and regional events.
CRCC’s growth during Sondra’s tenure has been fueled by partnerships she created and nurtured with supporters and funders. CRCC’s revenue, which now comes from diverse sources at the local, state and national levels as well as from philanthropic partners, has grown sevenfold during this time.
“As CRCC celebrates 50 years of spearheading positive change in Northeast Ohio, Sondra has positioned the agency to serve survivors while working toward a world free from sexual violence in the years to come,” added Lisa. “As we move forward, the Board, employees, and volunteers of CRCC will remain fiercely committed to meeting the needs of survivors.”
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About 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 https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/ to learn more.