(Murfreesboro, Tenn.) Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center has announced the appointment of Ericka Downing as the center's new Executive Director. Now serving the Rutherford County community for 34 years, the center specializes in healing and protective services for all victims of personal violence through 24-hour crisis support, emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy services.

Ericka brings Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center over 17 years of organizational leadership and 20 years of experience supporting Middle Tennessee judicial systems. She brings a wealth of knowledge in project management, community development, fiscal responsibility and innovation to the center. She is a life-long Rutherford County resident and possesses a Bachelor's degree from MTSU. She has a passion for serving this community and has been a volunteer supporting domestic violence for close to 15 years.

"We are excited to have Ericka join our team as our new Executive Director," said Mitzi Newbill, Board Chair for the center. "We believe she has the talent and capabilities to continue the great work our former ED, Karen Lampert, has done for our community. Over the past 3 years through Karen's leadership, we grew our team, purchased expanded office space and launched new programs to serve Rutherford County's rapid growth. We have a bright future and look forward to how we grow our presence and awareness in our community. We will miss Karen and thank her for all her innovative work while supporting our program."

The center will be hosting a community meet and greet in early January to formally introduce and welcome Ericka Downing to the team.