REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Welcomes Their New Executive Director​

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Welcomes Their New Executive Director

Amarely Gutiérrez Oliver selected to lead REACH Beyond Domestic Violence

WALTHAM, MA, January 31, 2023 – REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, which provides direct services to domestic violence survivors and their children through intervention, prevention, and advocacy programs, is pleased to announce that Amarely Gutiérrez Oliver will serve as its next Executive Director, starting on March 6, 2023.

Ms. Gutiérrez Oliver succeeds Laura R. Van Zandt, who retired as executive director on January 27, 2023, after an 18-year tenure during which REACH doubled its shelter capacity, developed a highly effective teen dating violence prevention initiative, and adopted a holistic model that integrates direct services with prevention, community engagement, empowerment of survivors, and broader advocacy to end systems of oppression.

“Amarely stood out in a pool of excellent candidates for her robust experience, her track record building and leading strong teams, her empowerment-based approach, and her commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Stephen B. Reed, chair of the REACH Board of Directors and head of the search committee that chose Ms. Gutiérrez Oliver. “She has earned a stellar reputation in her field. We are thrilled to welcome her as our next executive director.”

Born in El Salvador and raised in Salem, Ms. Gutiérrez Oliver developed a passion for justice and equality from an early age, having experienced discrimination firsthand. After earning a degree in psychology, she worked with children and youth in crisis for several years before entering the field of domestic violence, starting at a shelter in Naples, Fla., that served a highly diverse population. There, she worked to build a more equitable organization, advocated for social change, and promoted innovation, including a financial literacy program for survivors that became a model in the region.

In 2012, she joined the YWCA of Central Massachusetts and served as director of domestic violence services, where she revamped the shelter program, putting the needs and priorities of survivors front and center. She was a passionate and effective advocate for marginalized groups, and she built partnerships and engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to advance equity and inclusion. She also served on the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
Most recently, after moving to Connecticut with her family, Amarely has been working as a clinician. Now she is ready to return to her home state and lead the REACH team.

“For over 40 years, REACH has driven positive change in the 27 communities it serves,” she said. “It will be an honor and a privilege to be able to lead this team, doing the work that we all love. REACH is a vital resource for people experiencing domestic violence. It provides refuge, support, advocacy, and empowerment. Through community and shelter advocacy REACH uplifts survivors and provides hope and healing to those experiencing domestic violence, and with innovative programs like Latinas Know Your Rights, survivors from vulnerable communities are supported and become leaders and help others. And through its prevention programs, it is working to ensure that our communities are not only safe from violence, but also from oppression. This is exciting work that changes lives.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to extend a warm welcome to Amarely,” Mr. Reed said. “I know she will be an excellent leader. We are thrilled to support her as she builds upon the solid foundation laid by Laura Van Zandt during her 18 years of extraordinary leadership.”

About REACH:

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence (Refuge, Education, Advocacy, and CHange) is a nonprofit organization committed to creating healthy and safe relationships for individuals and communities by ending domestic violence. It provides direct services and advocacy for a highly diverse population in 27 cities and towns in Boston’s western suburbs. For more than 40 years, REACH has provided safety and support to survivors of domestic violence, while engaging communities to create lasting change. REACH partners with government and private agencies to support survivors, raises public awareness about domestic and dating violence, and advocates for policies and programs to protect and assist survivors.

To learn more, visit http://www.reachma.org.

Deborah Heimel, Interim Executive Director, 781.891.0724 x108