SALISBURY — Family Crisis Council of Rowan, Inc., Salisbury, has a new member on its team to help fulfill its mission of creating pathways to hope, healing and empowerment for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Angela Michelle Chapman-McDavid, JD, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, has been named as the new executive director for the council, officially beginning her duties April 15, and as was shared in a release, “looks forward to advancing the mission of the Family Crisis Council, strengthening community ties and expanding support services for survivors.”

Angela, it said, affectionately known as “Angel,” brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for advocacy and support for those affected by interpersonal violence. 

Her passion to help and advocate for others began with several things that took place in her life, and it “hits very, very close to home,” she said. “I myself am a survivor and my youngest daughter was nearly killed by her abuser.”

Chapman-McDavid’s background as a legally trained nonprofit leader, business coach and consultant complements her extensive expertise in human resources, grant writing, case management, fundraising, and strategic planning, according to the release.

She has been involved in this role of support and advocacy since 2015 having previously served with other organizations.

Immediately before she came to the Family Crisis Council, she served as the executive director of Voices Against Violence in Twin Falls, Idaho, where, according to a release, she spearheaded initiatives to enhance safety, empowerment and independence for victims and survivors. Additional previous roles include serving as the executive director of NewONEShaker, director of human resources, administration and operations for the Akron Urban League and as a domestic violence advocate for Harbor House of Central Florida.

As executive director, Chapman-McDavid is responsible for many duties including the management of day to day operations of the organization, which would include the oversight of the staff, fundraising, strategic planning and grant writing. 

In looking to the future, she said that she is “hoping to really concentrate on educating the community” about three areas of focus, which are domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. And the way this could be accomplished would be through community training which includes hospitals, police department, school, the general community itself and others.

Ryan Stowe, who serves as chairman of the council’s board of directors, said in the release that “Angel’s comprehensive background in leadership and her unwavering dedication to advocacy make her an exceptional choice to lead our organization forward. We are excited to see how her innovative strategies and compassionate approach will enhance our services and impact.”

Having just started her third week at the Family Crisis Council, Chapman-McDavid said that “things are going very, very well. It’s been a great transition with a wonderful team of professionals, and we are all very passionate about this work.”

She is married to Kenneth McDavid, and the couple has five adult children and multiple grandchildren.

Earning a juris doctor from Florida A&M University – College of Law, she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in criminal justice from North Carolina A&T State University.

In addition to her role as executive director, Chapman-McDavid is also a published author, having written one book, “My Pain Has a Purpose,” which focuses on things she has experienced in her life. Written in 2020, she said it is a short, easy read that talks about those things, giving insight and inspiration. It is available on Amazon.

She is working on a second book, she said, expanding on the first, going into more detail about those things that have taken place in her life.

The Family Crisis Council of Rowan, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, founded and incorporated in 1978.

Services provided for clients include: temporary emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, case management referrals and court advocacy. To ask about volunteering, go to www.fccrowan.org. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or needs assistance, call the crisis line at 704-636-4718 and press 1.