Effective July 1, 2020, Vashti Bledsoe assumed the role of PCADV’s Board President. Bledsoe, who is the Bilingual Domestic Violence Program Director for Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia, has served on PCADV’s Board of Directors since January 2019 and as Vice President since November of the same year. She has been with Lutheran Settlement House for over 25 years. In her current role, she provides leadership & supervision for a staff of 28. She oversees program development, assists with grant writing, coordinates program budgets, and develops program evaluation procedures. Bledsoe also served as the PCADV Women of Color Caucus Co-chair for 7 years. Additionally, she represents the program on various regional task forces and collaborations, including the Philadelphia ACE Task Force and Coordinated Community Response. She has presented on her work at numerous local and national conferences. She was the recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Contribution to IPV Award from Pierce College, 2004 Sunshine Lady Peace Award, and 1997 Freedom Development Corporation Youth Advocate Award. Bledsoe brings tremendous experience and vision to this statewide leadership position.
Bledsoe succeeds Brian Brooking of Lycoming County who has been a member of the Board since January 2015 and has served as President since July 2018. Brooking will continue to serve as a member through June 30, 2021.