Board of Directors

Sarah McDowell

President

Gretchen Dahlberg

Vice President

Open

Treasurer

Jeff Muse

Board Member

Erin Cutler

Board Member

Open

Board Member

Gabe Schlake

Board Member

What does a Board of Directors do?

At New Day Advocacy Center, the Board of Directors serves as the organization’s steward, compass, and champion. Board members are volunteers who collectively hold legal and ethical responsibility for the nonprofit and who work in partnership with the Executive Director to ensure New Day can fulfill its mission today and into the future.

Across the nonprofit sector, boards are generally responsible for five core areas:


1. Mission and Strategic Direction
The board safeguards the organization’s mission and helps set long-term direction. This includes approving strategic priorities, ensuring programs align with community needs, and asking thoughtful questions about impact and effectiveness.


2. Governance and Oversight
The board establishes policies that guide how the organization operates and ensures it is compliant with laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Board members act in the best interests of the organization and the people it serves, exercising fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.


3. Financial Stewardship
The board oversees the organization’s financial health. This includes approving the annual budget, monitoring financial performance, ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place, and supporting long-term sustainability.


4. Leadership Support and Accountability
The board hires, supports, and evaluates the Executive Director. While the board does not manage day-to-day operations, it provides guidance, encouragement, and accountability, helping ensure strong leadership and a healthy organizational culture.


5. Advocacy, Ambassadorship, and Resource Development
Board members serve as ambassadors for New Day Advocacy Center, helping build relationships, increase awareness, and strengthen trust in the community. This often includes supporting fundraising efforts, advocating for the organization’s mission, and opening doors to new partnerships and resources.


In short, the Board of Directors governs rather than manages. Its role is to focus on the “big picture” so staff can focus on delivering services and supporting survivors. By bringing diverse perspectives, skills, and lived experience to the table, the board helps ensure New Day Advocacy Center remains mission-driven, accountable, and resilient for years to come.

Join our Board!

We are always looking for community members who believe in our mission to help, volunteer, donate, and/or join our Board.

Q: How Often Do You Meet?

A: Our full Board meets every 2 months to discuss progress, strategic initiatives, any potential challenges, review financial performance, and discuss past and future events. The full Board includes the Executive Board members and the Executive Director.


The Executive Board includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Executive Director. They also meet every 2 months, alternating with the full Board meetings. While their agenda is similar to the that of the full Board's, they may also review strategic priorities, staff, financials, and key initiatives before presenting options to the full Board for discussion and action.

Q: What Other Time Commitments Are there?

A: While we do want Board members to be active participants in events, fundraising, and ad hoc activities, we also understand that everyone also has busy lives, work, and family. Our optional Events Committee meets monthly to plan fundraising and awareness events well in advance so those who are willing and able are free to participate.


If you have an interest in joining our board, volunteering for an event, or just have a few questions, please reach out via email, phone, or the contact form below!

New Day Advocacy Center

Collaboration | Compassion | Empowerment | Inclusion

Empowering survivors of domestic and sexual abuse ​through compassionate services and education.

Contact us any time

Contact us any time