Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) announced today the hiring of Mariah Stidham Wineski, MS, as the agency’s Executive Director. LCADV is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, non-residential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. Wineski was chosen to lead the Coalition, effective August 1st, after a nationwide search that began in November of 2016.

Wineski brings with her fourteen years of experience in social change and anti-violence work, with a focus on public policy and strategic communications. She has been employed by LCADV for four years, most recently serving as Interim Executive Director since December of 2016. Prior to her work with the Coalition, she served as Director of Education for the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault. She has also coordinated legislative policy, public affairs, and media relations for regional and national women’s health organizations. Ms. Wineski is the current secretary of the Louisiana Domestic Violence Prevention Commission and serves on the Victim Services Advisory Board of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

In accepting the role as Executive Director, Wineski said, “It is an honor to have been selected for this position. I look forward to continuing the great work of LCADV, supporting our vision of a Louisiana where individuals can live free of violence.” Wineski stressed the importance of the Coalition’s work, given Louisiana’s current ranking as second in the nation for the rate of women murdered by men. “Louisiana has made great progress in recent years, but there is clearly much work that remains to be done to address domestic violence in our state. The Coalition has a strong network of members and supporters who work tirelessly to bring an end to domestic violence. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and I look forward to making meaningful progress.”

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) is a statewide network of programs, organizations, and individuals who share the goal of ending domestic violence in Louisiana. LCADV empowers its members and communities through advocacy, education, resource development, and technical assistance. LCADV is dedicated to bringing about change in our institutions, laws, politics, attitudes, and beliefs which will allow individuals to live free of violence. For more information, visit www.lcadv.org.