Home Health Missy Mael, Dana Pellebon named co-executive directors of the Rape Crisis Center

Missy Mael, Dana Pellebon named co-executive directors of the Rape Crisis Center

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Missy Mael and Dana Pellebon have been named the co-executive directors of the Rape Crisis Center (RCC) in Madison, the first time in its 47 years that there will be two people leading the agency, according to the RCC board of directors.

The Rape Crisis Center advocates for those harmed by sexual violence by centering survivors, promoting societal change, and committing to be an evolving force for social equity.

“Our new mission gives us new focus moving forward for the future of the Rape Crisis Center,” Pellebon tells Madison365. “Missy’s commitment to prevention and education, along with a staff that is focused on survivors and advocacy in all areas, makes me personally excited to be a part of this vision.”

Mael, who was previously the senior director of education at RCC, will assume responsibility for all human resources, fund development, and communications functions in addition to directing agency outreach and education efforts, according to a press release from the RCC. Pellebon, who was previously RCC’s senior director of client services, will now also be managing finance and operations in addition to managing client advocacy and counseling services.

Ahmad Moghadam will return to the RCC in an associate executive director role where he will assist with finance, grants, and compliance and support efforts to reach community members with both education and services. He will report directly to Pellebon.

“RCC recently adopted a new mission, which is to advocate for those harmed by sexual violence through centering survivors, promoting societal change, and committing to be an evolving force for social equity,” said Janine Wilson, Chair of RCC’s board of directors, in a statement. “Missy and Dana have the experience and community relationships necessary to ensure that victims and survivors are able to access the support they need and that our community receives education to reduce sexual violence.”

Mael, who has extensive experience in strategic planning, marketing, development, and communications, earned a master’s degree in education from Edgewood College. She had previously served as assistant dean of students and grant project coordinator at Edgewood College, where she secured significant federal funding for sexual violence prevention and response.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to use my talents and skills in a field that I’m passionate about,” Mael tells Madison365. “Dana is an ideal partner in this new journey, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish in these new roles.”

Pellebon has been a leader in advocacy and case management in Madison for a quarter-century. Most recently, she was the director of housing and operations at Porchlight, Inc. She has a comprehensive background in operations and financial management with direct experience in grant-writing, fundraising, and accounting through many years of professional and volunteer activities.

Pellebon and Mael take over the leadership of the Rape Crisis Center from Erin Thornley Parisi, who had been the executive director for the past five years ending in August 2020. The RCC has been serving Dane County and its surrounding area since 1973.