FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2025 

Press Contact: Megan Tanahashi: megan@cpedv.org | (916) 800-4856

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership), a statewide network creating culture and policy change to prevent and end domestic violence, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Krista Colón as its new Executive Director effective March 31, 2025. The Board of Directors selected her following a national leadership search that spanned several months and involved the careful evaluation of over 700 impressive applicants.

Krista has over 15 years of experience in the domestic violence field at both the state and national levels, including 12 years at the Partnership. She currently serves on the Partnership’s Leadership Team as Senior Director of Public Policy & Communication Strategies overseeing legislative, budget, and systems change advocacy and guiding strategic communications.

“We are incredibly excited to have Krista step into this role,” said karen kaur, the Partnership’s Board President. “Krista brings a lifelong commitment to survivor-centered advocacy and systems-change to address the deep inequities survivors face. Over the course of nearly 13 years with the Partnership, she has successfully advocated for over $230 million in new funding for survivor services and prevention, and also secured the passage of legislation to address the needs of survivors: strengthening housing protections, opening access to financial assistance, making court systems more just, and more. Krista’s brilliance, passion, and joy for transformative policy change will take the Partnership’s to new heights.”

Krista’s experience spans policy advocacy, coalition-building, and strategic communications, uniquely positioning her to lead the Partnership’s strategies and deepen its collaborations with domestic violence organizations, policymakers, social justice partners, and Californians to build a California free from domestic violence. She’s represented the Partnership on various state-level committees and task forces and, prior to joining the Partnership, Krista worked at the National Network to End Domestic Violence advocating for increases in federal funding for domestic and sexual violence programs and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

“I am honored and humbled to step into this role at such a critical time for our movement,” said Krista Colón, incoming Executive Director. “The Partnership has long been a powerful force for policy change and community-driven solutions across a continuum of domestic violence prevention and intervention strategies. I am proud of what the Partnership has accomplished and look forward to bringing fresh vision to strengthen our collective impact on behalf of survivors and communities. I am eager to work with the Partnership staff, our members, partners, and allies to deepen California’s systemic response and truly build a California free from domestic violence.”

“Krista Colón is an accomplished advocate, a survivor-centered leader, and an effective champion for policy and systems changes that are needed to prevent and ultimately end domestic violence in California,” said Debbie I. Chang, CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation. “We value our longstanding relationship with the Partnership and look forward to continuing to work together with Krista, the team, and members of the coalition to build on their strong track record and strengthen domestic violence prevention, drive policy, and elevate the voices of survivors.”

The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude to Paul Castro, Interim Executive Director, for his steadfast leadership during this transition. His guidance ensured the organization remained strong and focused on its mission. Additionally, the Partnership recognizes the dedication of the Board Search Committee for their leadership throughout the search process:

• Lisa Mantarro Moore, Search Committee Co-Chair & Central Valley Regional Representative
• Ken Oplinger, Search Committee Co-Chair & Member Elected At-Large
• karen kaur, Board President
• Giovanna Martinez, Los Angeles Regional Representative
• Chelcee Thomas, North Regional Representative
• Jobi Wood, Board Secretary

Also, this search process could not have been successful without Jeannine Walker’s extraordinary partnership, leadership and expertise of Walker & Associates Consulting.

We appreciate the vital insights and thoughtful engagement of the Partnership’s staff.

With Krista at the helm, working alongside a talented team and committed Board of Directors, the Partnership is poised for an exciting new era of innovation and impact. The Partnership calls on its members and allies to rally together in support of Krista’s leadership and the Partnership’s core work: Setting Strong Policy, Communicating Priorities, Building Capacity, and Strengthening Prevention Initiatives.

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The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition. We create culture and policy change to prevent and end domestic violence in our state by mobilizing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations, and allies. 

As social change advocates, we work to create healthy relationships and equitable communities. We do this by developing legislation and learning opportunities that elevate survivor-centered solutions and convening our statewide network to strengthen domestic violence services in California.

For more information, visit cpedv.org.