On Oct. 1, the Executive Director for Rape Response Jeanne Buffington will be passing the baton and taking up a more behind-the-scenes role as a contractor.
Jen Tarnowski will be taking up the role as the new executive director of the organization.
“I feel great about her. And I look forward to seeing what happens under her leadership and how the agency grows and changes,” Buffington said.
Buffington has worked as the executive director for 12 and a half years. One of her goals was to raise enough money to provide the little things such as lunch during trials and clothes for survivors after a rape kit is performed.
“I had no idea prior to Rape Response that if you go to the hospital for a rape exam, your clothing is kept as evidence,” Buffington said.
Buffinton will still be working with the organization to work on Dancing for a Cause, their major fundraiser, and to continue writing and managing their federal grants.
Jen Tarnowski has been with the organization for five years and feels humbled to step into her new role as executive director.
“I’m really excited about the possibility of being able to continue to work in our field and work with our amazing team to make a difference for survivors,” Tarnowski said.
Tarnowski has a degree in psychology and has worked in social services for most of her working career.
Rape Response is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1988. They focus on providing support, advocacy and education to the community and survivors of sexual assault.
