Sandi Morrison
Chief Executive Officer
San Diego, California, United States
Professional Overview
Sandi Morrison is an experienced nonprofit executive with a strong background in violence prevention and victim support services. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT), she oversees the strategic vision and operational management of a leading organization dedicated to addressing interpersonal violence across the lifespan. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Committee of the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan, where she contributes her expertise to national initiatives aimed at creating safer and healthier communities.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Executive Officer of IVAT since 2008, Sandi has been instrumental in expanding the organization's reach and impact. Under her leadership, IVAT has established innovative programs, forged strategic partnerships, and secured significant funding to support its mission of providing research, training, and resources to professionals and communities. Sandi's strategic decision-making and collaborative approach have positioned IVAT as a preeminent voice in the field of violence prevention and intervention.
Career Progression
Prior to her role at IVAT, Sandi held various leadership positions in the nonprofit sector, including serving as the Hotline & Volunteer Manager and Sexual Assault Response Team Manager at the Center for Community Solutions, and the Director of the Batterer Intervention Program at the Tri-City Mental Health Center, Inc. These experiences have equipped Sandi with a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in addressing interpersonal violence, which she now leverages to drive positive change at the organizational and community levels.
Academic Background
Sandi holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master's degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. Her academic training and continued professional development have provided her with a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, program management, and policy advocacy.
Areas of Expertise
Sandi's expertise lies in the areas of violence prevention, trauma-informed care, and nonprofit leadership. She has a proven track record of successfully managing and scaling impactful programs, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and advocating for systemic change. Additionally, Sandi is a skilled communicator and trainer, regularly presenting at industry conferences and facilitating workshops to share her knowledge and inspire others.
Professional Impact
Under Sandi's leadership, IVAT has expanded its reach, securing significant funding and establishing new partnerships to enhance the organization's ability to support survivors, educate professionals, and drive policy change. Sandi has been instrumental in the development of groundbreaking initiatives, such as the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, which has provided critical data to inform prevention and intervention strategies nationwide.
Conclusion
Sandi Morrison is a dedicated and visionary leader who has devoted her career to addressing the complex challenge of interpersonal violence. Through her work at IVAT and her involvement with the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan, Sandi continues to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the United States.