Allison Forte has been named the Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter new executive director.
According to a release, Forte has been with the NBWS since 2013, starting as an advocate and working her way to Assistant Director this past January.
“We have the utmost confidence that Allison will continue to serve the needs of our staff and clients with the same great care and concern,” said Shelly Geerdes, Board Chair.
“She truly understands the service model and best practices NBWS has adopted and implemented that are critical to the agency’s work and mission.”
Over the past two years, NBWS has been preparing for a new facility project, and the organization is preparing to jump in to the capital campaign for the new facility.
“I am honored the Board of Directors has provided me with the opportunity to lead our organization during such an exciting time as we embark on our Capital Campaign,” said Forte.
“The dream of a new facility that will be better suited to the needs of the victim/survivors we serve is quickly becoming a reality. This new facility will reshape how we deliver services and be more community facing, while allowing those we serve the ability to live autonomously. I look forward to the challenges and successes the future brings as we all work together to end domestic violence in our community.”
Andrea Kingbird, the former executive director of eight years, is now an assistant city attorney with the City of Bemidji.
The mission of the Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter is to provide crisis shelter, victim-center advocacy and supportive services for victims of intimate partner violence. To learn more, visit www.mnshelter.org.
