RALEIGH ó The former director of Smart Start Rowan has been named president/CEO of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina.
The board of directors of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina announced Wednesday the hiring of Rosemarie “Rosie” Allen.
Ms. Allen has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and exceptional credentials as an advocate for children and families. She was most recently director of development for the North Carolina Partnership for Children and has previously served as executive director for several nonprofits, including Smart Start Rowan, Communities in Schools of Wake County and the Cumberland County Partnership for Children. A native North Carolinian, Allen has dedicated her professional career to promoting the well-being of the state’s children and their families. She brings to Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina strong skills in the areas of enhancing resource development, building collaborative partnerships and creating dynamic organizational teams. As an active community volunteer, Ms. Allen also serves on multiple Boards and committees and has received numerous awards for her community and volunteer leadership.
Bo Dempster, board chair for Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, said: “The staff and board are extremely pleased to have Rosie join our team.  Her demonstrated track record and outstanding leadership on behalf of North Carolina’s children and families will serve this agency well. I am confident that Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina will flourish under her direction as the state’s leader for strengthening families and protecting children.” 
“Helping families and communities raise strong, healthy, successful children is the core of our work at Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina,” commented Ms. Allen. “For almost 30 years, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina has helped communities protect children and support parents so that every child has an opportunity to reach their full potential. The work that has been accomplished by the dedicated staff, board and volunteers of this agency is exceptional and is nationally recognized. I look forward to leading Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina in its vital work for the children and families of this state.”
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in all its forms. With a membership network of more than 350 community-based agencies and professionals across the state,  Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina turns information into action by promoting effective community-based prevention programs, public awareness activities and professional education programs.  Founded in 1979, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina is a state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. For additional information, please call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusenc.org.