BISMARCK, ND—CAWS North Dakota, the state coalition against domestic and sexual violence, is excited to announce the appointment of Erica Cermak as their new Executive Director. Cermak will officially assume her role as Executive Director on June 5, 2023.
With more than 15 years of experience in organizational leadership, government relations, and development, Cermak brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to CAWS North Dakota. She has a successful background in a variety of disciplines, including management, volunteer and member recruitment and retention, strategy development, relationship building, and policy analysis and implementation.
“We are thrilled to have Erica Cermak join the CAWS North Dakota team as the new Executive Director,” said Melandie Deplazes, CAWS North Dakota Board President. “Alongside her legislative experience, her strategic development, policy implementation, and innovative leadership skills make her an excellent fit for the role. We are confident that under her leadership, CAWS North Dakota will continue to be a strong voice for victims and survivors in the fight against domestic and sexual violence in North Dakota.”
Prior to joining CAWS North Dakota, Cermak served as the Vice President of Government Relations & Management Services at APT, Inc.. Her work included representing mental health providers, retired teachers, and advanced practice nursing organizations in order to further legislative and membership priorities. Cermak also previously worked as the Human Resources Director at Silver Fox Energy. She assisted in carrying forward the organization’s mission and strategy alongside planning and implementing company policies and procedures.
Cermak was born and raised in the Bismarck-Mandan area and has also spent time living with her husband and two kids in Houston, TX and Watford City, ND. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Mary.
“I am honored to join CAWS North Dakota as the new Executive Director,” said Cermak. “I am committed to serving all individual’s affected by domestic and sexual violence, helping to provide them with hope, and working towards a future where all individuals and families are safe, healthy, and thriving.”
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About CAWS North Dakota: CAWS North Dakota is a North Dakota’s statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition. They support and present a unified voice for 19 domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials, to public awareness and legislative policy change, CAWS North Dakota works to provide North Dakota communities with the best information to better support victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
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