Interim Executive Director takes the helm
Jane Pomeroy. Courtesy photo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — The RISE Board of Directors has announced Jane Pomeroy as its new Executive Director. RISE, a non-profit serving San Luis Obispo county, provides crisis intervention and treatment services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence and their loved ones.
Pomeroy, a San Luis Obispo native, has lived and worked in this community for over 20 years, the last 10 of which she has dedicated to the field of gender-based violence. Five years ago, Pomeroy joined the RISE team as an advocate and later ascended to Associate Director. She has been serving as interim Executive Director for six months while the Board conducted an open recruitment following the retirement of the previous Executive Director.
Incoming RISE Board president Garret Olson stated, “It was vital that we found a strong and caring leader to ensure we continue to provide healing, compassionate services to our survivor clients. On behalf of the entire RISE Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce Ms. Pomeroy as our new Executive Director.”
Pomeroy holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish, and a master’s degree in Social Welfare with an emphasis in Management and Planning. Previously, Pomeroy’s local leadership roles included Executive Director of The LINK Family Resource Center, board member for the Latino Outreach Council, and part-time lecturer in the Cal Poly Women and Gender Studies Department.
“I am constantly in awe of the courage survivors show everyday in seeking support through our crisis line and by walking through our doors,” Pomeroy said. “It is of utmost importance to the board, to our staff, and to me that RISE continues to center survivors’ voices in our work and our mission, and that we continue to provide the same compassionate, empowering, and accessible services that we have for the last 45 years.”
Pomeroy lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband and two year old son.
“RISE is my second home,” Pomeroy said. “I am deeply honored and thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead our incredible team of dedicated and compassionate staff, volunteers and board members, and to continue partnering with the community to serve survivors and prevent violence.”
Pomeroy succeeds Jennifer (Jenny) Adams, who retired after 15 years at the helm. RISE is eternally grateful for the vision, passion and leadership Adams brought to the role and is excited to see Pomeroy carry on the organization’s legacy of credible, compassionate leadership.