NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BEGINS AT WOMEN’S SUPPORT SERVICES
The Board of Directors of Women’s Support Services (WSS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. D. Elizabeth (“Betsey”) Mauro as the Executive Director of Women’s Support Services. Women’s Support Services provides intervention, advocacy and education in its mission to end domestic violence and serves towns in northwestern Connecticut and border towns in New York and Massachusetts.
The Search Committee and full Board were unanimous in their recommendation and endorsement of this appointment. Board chairperson Maria Horn states “We believe that Dr. Mauro’s experience, skills and leadership style make her the ideal person to lead WSS in its next chapter, which began with the start of the new year.”
A native of Connecticut with deep roots in Northwestern Connecticut, Dr. Mauro comes to WSS following a seven-year tenure as Dean of the Center for Congregational Leadership in Michigan. Effusively praised by colleagues, supervisors and board members for her intelligence, knowledge, warmth, collegiality, organizational abilities and values-driven approach, she has substantial experience in personnel management, fiscal management, fundraising, community outreach, strategic planning, and communication, in addition to having done extensive work with nonprofit boards and volunteers.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Mauro worked at Susan B. Anthony in Torrington, CT as coordinator of sexual assault services. There her work included victim advocacy, community education, and program administration.
Dr. Mauro holds a Bachelor of Arts in geology from the University of New Hampshire, a Master of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Upon beginning her tenure at WSS, Dr. Mauro noted, “I am delighted to be joining the talented and dedicated staff of WSS, and to be working with a dynamic Board of Directors. In partnership with the communities we serve, we seek to end domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention and education. I appreciate the opportunity to be engaged in this important work.”
Horn says, “The search for the next Executive Director was both thorough and rewarding, in part because the depth of interest in the position affirmed the respect with which WSS is held in our local community, and in the broader community of those who are engaged in the battle against domestic violence. Before the interview process itself, the Search Committee spoke with donors, leaders of many other nonprofits with whom WSS collaborates, government officials, as well as each member of the WSS staff in order to assess the needs of the agency and our community. This input greatly enhanced the search process, and gives us renewed confidence that Dr. Mauro indeed has the skills and qualities WSS will need to call upon in the future. In short, she is thoroughly prepared to step into the role of Executive Director of this agency we all care so deeply for. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Mauro to our community.”
