NORTH COAST, Calif. – The executive director of North Coast Opportunities has left to take over leadership of the Family Justice Center Sonoma County.

Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch and her partners in the Family Justice Center Sonoma County announced that well-known local nonprofit leader Wes Winter has been selected as executive director of the center.

Winter took the helm effective Aug. 1.

The Family Justice Center Sonoma County empowers family violence victims to live free from violence and abuse by providing comprehensive services, centered on and around the victim, through a single point of access.

Winter has more than 30 years of proven leadership experience in the nonprofit and business sectors.

"We welcome Wes, with his extensive experience and strong community ties, as he takes the lead of this important partnership,” said Ravitch.

In addition to overseeing operations at the center, Winter will be charged with developing a long-term sustainability plan so that victims and their families may continue to receive the co-located serves they seek for years to come."

Winter comes to the Family Justice Center after having served as the executive director of North Coast Opportunities since 2009, where he was responsible for community-based human services programs for seven North Bay counties – including Lake – with a total annual budget of $16 million.

Previously in Sonoma County, Winter served as executive director of the Volunteer Center from 2002 through 2005 as well as of Circuit Rider Productions from 1989 through 2002.

Additionally, as senior marketing and public relations director with Oakmont Senior Living from 2005 through 2009, Winter played a critical role in the planning, development and promotion of one of the nation’s first niche market continuing care retirement communities.

Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane, who participated in the selection process, noted "Wes Winter has a long track record of being a top leader, fundraiser and visionary in our nonprofit community. He will take the FJCSC to the next level and capitalize on our great programming, facility and wrap-around services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault."

Interim Executive Director Gloria Eurotas has returned to her role as victim services director in the District Attorney’s Office, after agreeing to transfer over to the center last September when it became clear additional funding for the center’s administrative positions was needed before recruiting for permanent positions.

During that time Eurotas expanded outreach services and oversaw the relocation of the Redwood Children’s Center and district attorney sexual assault prosecution unit to the Family Justice Center Sonoma County.