Ryan Dunlap Named Executive Director of Street Grace Tennessee

Street Grace, a faith-based organization whose mission is to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), has named Ryan Dunlap executive director of their Tennessee-based efforts, which launched in 2019.

In his new role, Dunlap will oversee development and daily operations, while deepening advocacy efforts for the non-profit, which mobilizes community involvement to fight CSEC and drives awareness through training, and providing resources education, particularly about the demand. Dunlap will continue the growth of Street Grace’s Demand an End initiative with cities and municipalities throughout Tennessee.

“We will never end CSEC and sex trafficking without intentionally, forcefully, and strategically addressing demand,” said Bob Rodgers, CEO of Street Grace, noting the illegal underground sex economy is estimated to be a multi-billion-dollar business in the U.S. It is the fastest-growing and second-largest illegal business on the planet. “Our initiatives are intensely focused on prevention and the protection of all those who are vulnerable, as well as the pursuit of buyers with a focus on eliminating demand by removing the cloak of anonymity.”

Street Grace was founded in 2009 by leaders of Atlanta’s faith community in response to the increasing presence of CSEC in the city. Since then, the organization has made encouraging progress with a growing network of approximately 150 churches, more than 100 community partners, over 1,500 volunteers, and an expanded presence across the U.S.

“We are thrilled to have Ryan leading our efforts around demand reduction and policy and believe his specialized law enforcement experience, particularly working for the protection of children, will significantly enhance our efforts to end demand and protect children throughout Tennessee,” said Rodgers.

Dunlap’s background combines more than 14 years of specialized law enforcement experience with six years of leadership in ministry. In law enforcement, Dunlap served in many capacities including time in the Special Victims Unit with the Gwinnett County Police Department where he specialized in investigating sex crimes against children and was assigned to the Child Abduction Response Team, a team dedicated to locating missing, endangered, and abducted children, and those at risk of being trafficked. In addition, Dunlap served in several collateral positions to include the SWAT Hostage Negotiation Team and the Crisis Intervention Team. In 2015, Dunlap joined the leadership team at Victory World Church in Atlanta as the director of life safety. There he worked closely with ministry leaders to create policies aimed at protecting children within the congregation who were suspected victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. He ultimately became executive director of operations where he led churchwide operations.

Dunlap is a member of Georgia’s Sexual Assault Response Team State Expert Committee where he serves on the faith-based subcommittee and the guidelines/protocols subcommittees. Additionally, he serves as a law enforcement chaplain and critical incident stress management facilitator, leading trauma recovery programs for first responders and their families.

Dunlap earned his master’s degree in communication and leadership and a graduate certificate in strategic communication management from Purdue University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University and has completed more than 3,600 hours of law enforcement training.

About Street Grace

Street Grace is a faith-based organization that utilizes evidence-based demand reduction strategies to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) through prevention, protection, policy, and pursuit. CSEC is any sexual activity involving a minor for which something of value is given or promised. Learn more at streetgrace.org.