Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center (TBCAC) Board of Directors is announcing that Executive Director, Brooke Nettz, will be leaving the Center. Because of her success in building such a strong program here in Traverse City, she now has opportunities to protect children in other parts of the state.
Under Brooke’s leadership, the Center has been helping children from Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians through awareness, intervention, collaboration, and healing.
Since opening its doors
on April 5, 2010, nearly 600 forensic interviews have been conducted. Staff has expanded to include a Family Advocate, Intake Coordinator, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator and Fund Development Coordinator. TBCAC intervention staff work closely, on a daily basis, with members of law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, and the medical and mental health professions to protect children by providing prevention and a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation, assessment and treatment of children who have suffered sexual or severe physical abuse.
As the Executive Director of the TBCAC, Brooke has forged many relationships within the community, both empowering and challenging our community to take a Zero Tolerance approach to child sexual abuse.
Brooke stated in a letter to the Board of Directors, “It has been my pleasure to serve as Executive Director of the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center over the past four years. Together we have moved mountains, achieved greatness, and most importantly—changed children’s lives forever.”
Her dedication and natural ability to facilitate collaboration helped the TBCAC become nationally accredited by National Children’s Alliance in its first year of operation, a feat unprecedented in the state of Michigan.
Brooke has been a passionate, energetic and a faithful steward of our community’s children. Marilyn Vlach, TBCAC Board of Directors Chair had this to say, “As the executive director for the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center since it’s opening in 2010, Brooke Nettz has been instrumental not only in overseeing the integrity of the services the center has provided but also tirelessly worked to ensure the sustainability of the organization. As the Board Chair it has been a privilege to work alongside an individual whose passion to protect children from child sexual abuse so closely mirrors the mission of the TBCAC. I believe I speak for the entire Board when I say we are thankful for the solid foundation Brooke has helped to develop and am confident the TBCAC will continue to be a strong partner in intervention and prevention services for children in our community.”
A committee is already at work searching for the next Executive Director of the TBCAC. Plans have been made to ensure a smooth transition.
Anyone interested in the Executive Director position is encouraged to review the job description and to email Marilyn Vlach at boardchair@traversebaycac.org with additional questions.