New Leadership at YWCA
We are pleased to announce that the YWCA's Board of Directors have named Dr. Martha Buchanan as interim CEO. Rachel Haverkamp will be resigning from her position as CEO effective October 14 as she steps back to spend more time with her family. Rachel has worked closely with the board and staff over the past six weeks to ensure a successful transition of leadership.
- Dr. Buchanan is a former board member of the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley and previously served as the director of the Knox County Health Department (KCHD).
- Her expertise in public health and social services, proven leadership experience and knowledge and advocacy of the YWCA position her well to work with the staff and board as interim CEO
- Dr. Buchanan will serve in this role, working hand-in-hand with staff and the board of directors, while the organization participates in a local and nationwide search for a permanent chief executive officer.
- The search is expected to launch over the next few months.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Buchanan step in to provide thoughtful, proven leadership, empowering our board and staff to continue delivering the programs and impact that YWCA clients and the community rely on, as we engage in a search for the next CEO,” said Susan Edwards, chair of the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley board of directors. “We are grateful to Rachel for her five years dedicated to the YWCA, including the past two as CEO, in which she has continued to advance the mission and execute and grow the programming in meaningful and successful ways. She always will be a part of the YWCA.”
To learn more about the transition, the recent achievements of the YWCA under Rachel’s leadership and Dr. Buchanan’s role as interim CEO, click
here to review the announcement on our website.