Prominent Women's Advocate Selected to Lead National Network to End Domestic Violence

Kim Gandy Named President and CEO 

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) announced today that Kim Gandy has been selected as the president and CEO of the membership and advocacy organization. The leading voice for domestic violence survivors and their advocates, NNEDV is dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists.

"Kim brings a proven track record of success in leadership of national non-profits," said Victoria Dinges, chair of NNEDV's Board of Directors and vice president of public social responsibility with Allstate." The Board was impressed with her passion and dedication to our issues, and we feel confident that she will propel us forward in achieving our goal of ending domestic violence."

Prior to joining NNEDV, Gandy served as vice president of and general counsel for the Feminist Majority and the Feminist Majority Foundation. She also served two elected terms as the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). During her work with both organizations, Gandy was a guiding force in many landmark cases and legislative gains, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, and the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

"I look forward to working with NNEDV's extraordinary staff, members and Board to meet the needs of survivors, to make domestic violence deeply unacceptable in our society and to bring an end to this national crisis," said Gandy. "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the compassionate and innovative organizations and individuals who comprise NNEDV's membership."

From her years as a young activist in her native Louisiana, to her work prosecuting violent offenders, to her role in the passage and reauthorizations of VAWA, Gandy has remained dedicated to ensuring that women have the opportunity to lead safe, healthy and prosperous lives. Her long career in advocacy, legislative reform and coalition-building includes extensive work in the area of violence against women.

An extensive national search was conducted by a search committee that included several state domestic violence coalition directors and was co-chaired by Dinges. After evaluating more than 80 applicants, the committee recommended three outstanding candidates for consideration by the Board, which unanimously selected Gandy.

To obtain Gandy's bio and a hi-res photo visit www.nnedv.org.

NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a leading voice for domestic violence survivors and their allies. Its members include the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence whose experiences expand and inform our understanding of domestic violence survivors and advocacy programs. NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement to end domestic violence for nearly 20 years, and led efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994.

SOURCE National Network to End Domestic Violence