Forsythe Brings 20 Years of Nonprofit Experience to Southern Pinellas County’s Domestic Violence Center
June 12, 2017, St. Petersburg, FL – After conducting an extensive, nationwide search, CASA has proudly named Lariana Forsythe to serve as its new Interim CEO, effective June 5, 2017. (Interim status is a temporary designation being used while Lariana completes Florida Administrative Rule requirements.)
“On behalf of the CASA Board of Directors, I am extremely excited to announce Lariana’s hiring,” said CASA’s Board President, Nicholas McDevitt. “CASA has been through, and will continue to move through, significant periods of transition and growth. Knowing this, we set out to find a person who could combine vision, leadership, communication and passion for the mission, with a strong business acumen and dynamic fundraising experience to lead CASA into the future. After an extremely thorough and methodical search, we feel like we have found that in Lariana. We are so proud to call her our Interim CEO and have her leading CASA into the future.”
Lariana brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience to CASA, which is implementing a significant expansion of its programs for survivors of domestic violence in southern Pinellas County, Florida. Longtime employee Suzanne Horn, who had served as Interim Director during the transition period, has been promoted to CASA’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Harry Linn has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
“I am honored to have the opportunity to help change the image of domestic violence in Pinellas County,” said Ms. Forsythe. “So many domestic violence survivors live in the shadow of this systemic issue, which effects as many as 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men, and often fear the undeserved stigma and false assumptions that can come with it.”
“Now celebrating its 40th anniversary of service to this community,” she continued, ”CASA is a larger influence than ever before, providing safety and a voice for those who have had theirs taken away. I look forward to getting to know and working closely with the leaders in our community to ensure St. Petersburg is a vibrant and safe community for everyone.”
CASA is the official domestic violence center for southern Pinellas County, Florida. It is also a proud member of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV), the professional association for Florida’s 42 independent, certified domestic violence centers. FCADV’s President/CEO, Tiffany Carr, released this statement in honor of Lariana’s hiring:
“FCADV is pleased to welcome Lariana as CASA’s Interim CEO. Her experience, knowledge and vision will help propel CASA and thus create a vibrant, sustainable future for survivors and their children. We stand ready to assist Lariana as she immerses herself within the domestic violence field in Florida and learns the challenges and rewards of engaging in this critical work in our great state. I commend the CASA Board of Directors for engaging in an exhaustive national search that led to the hiring of this candidate.”
Lariana has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, most recently serving as the Vice President/Chief Development Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. In addition to 17 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs, she has held a variety of roles within National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Special Olympics. Lariana has earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
To get confidential help for you or a loved one experiencing domestic violence, call CASA’s 24-hour hotline: 727-895-4912 (TTY:727-828-1269). To ensure the continued operation of CASA’s hotline and other vital services, please donate online at www.casa-stpete.org/donate or contact CASA’s Development Department at 727-895-4912.
ABOUT CASA (COMMUNITY ACTION STOPS ABUSE)
This year marks the 40th Anniversary for CASA, the official domestic violence center for southern Pinellas County, Florida. CASA operates the area’s 24-hour hotline and 100-bed emergency shelter, offers community support groups, provides courtroom advocacy (ex. support navigating the restraining order process), assists the Child Protective Investigative team and conducts community and corporate training. In addition, CASA’s Peacemakers teach anti-bullying and healthy relationship curriculum throughout the Pinellas County school system to end the generational cycle of violence.
CASA’s vision is a community without domestic violence so that home is a safe place. CASA’s mission is to raise our voices against violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change. To learn more visit www.casa-stpete.org, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/CASAStPete or contact us at info@casa-stpete.org / 727-895-4912. For assistance with domestic violence-related issues, please call CASA’s 24-hour hotlines: 727-895-4912 and TTY: 727-828-1269.