Patti Seger, long-time Executive Director of the Wisconsin Coalition, will retire from her position March 7, 2020. Patti’s strategic leadership will be missed, and we are grateful for all she has accomplished during her tenure.
“I started volunteering in 1980 in the field to end gender-based violence. I have always felt a deep connection to this work and it has been an honor to serve victims in Wisconsin for the past 40 years.”, Seger said. “All humans deserve to live with safety and dignity. I have been so humbled by my time with victims and the many professionals in Wisconsin who are working towards a common goal of ending domestic violence and abuse. I am humbled that 15 years ago, the board chose me to lead End Domestic Abuse WI. My biggest hope is that I have made a difference. And, now it is time to pass the torch so that others may lead this work in new directions and continue on towards the transformation that we need to truly end gender violence.”
Gricel Santiago-Rivera has been named Interim Director. Gricel has worked at End Abuse for over 14 years, serving as the Director of the direct legal services program since 2008. Gricel’s knowledge of the agency, working relationship with managers, staff and funders, and commitment to the mission make her an excellent transitional leader for End Abuse. “Patti’s dedication and passion for anti-violence and anti-oppression work will guide my leadership. I am excited for the opportunity to begin a new journey for the organization, and continue to make a difference in the lives of so many victims and survivors across the lifespan in Wisconsin and nationwide.”
“Patti has dedicated her life to ending domestic violence and providing support to victims. Her incredible passion and determination has brought about marked change and growth in her 20 years of dedicated service to End Abuse WI”, said Stacey Cicero, End Abuse Board Chair and Executive Director of Safe Haven of Shawano County. “Some of End Abuse WI’s best work was accomplished under Patti’s leadership. I will be forever grateful for her stewardship and the support she provided to our member organizations.”
The End Domestic Abuse WI Board has developed an executive search committee and will begin the process of finding a new leader in the months ahead. The talented and dedicated End Abuse staff will continue their mission to provide safety and to give a voice to all affected by domestic abuse, while creating the social change necessary to address its root causes.
