FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Merrill, Communications Manager: jessica@cpedv.org | (707) 330-6838

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence appoints new interim executive director

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) today announced that Paul Castro accepted the position of Interim Executive Director, assuming the new role after an extensive search by the coalition’s Board of Directors and Third Sector Company. During this time of transition, Castro will provide the Partnership with stability, helping propel the organization towards its long-term strategic vision of a California free from domestic violence.

Castro comes to the Partnership with over 30 years of leadership experience at Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles (JFS). Serving for 18 years as its President and CEO, he was the chief spokesperson and advocate for the multi-service agency serving over 100,000 individuals and families and overseeing a $35 million annual budget. Prior to his role as President and CEO, Castro held various leadership positions at JFS, including CFO and associate executive director where he continued to manage and grow the organization. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School and has served as adjunct faculty for the American Jewish University of Los Angeles Nonprofit MBA program teaching Governance, Advocacy, Civic Engagement and Ethics in Nonprofit Management. Gaining recognition for his work, Castro was invited to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative America, a national convening of health and social sector leaders. He was subsequently invited by the Nonprofit Finance Fund to sit as an advisor to the Healthy Outcomes Initiative. Castro joins the Partnership directly from retirement in Novato, California where he relocated in 2018.

“I am excited to have been engaged as Interim Executive Director with California Partnership to End Domestic Violence,” said Castro. “The Partnership is an important and essential voice for a diverse coalition of organizations, survivors and individuals and I am honored to help guide the agency through a time of transition. In conjunction with a committed board and staff, we look to continue the Partnership’s vital work in leading the DV movement while facilitating a smooth transition to the next Executive Director.”

“The Partnership is excited to have Paul Castro stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director” said Board President Rabeya Sen. “Paul brings to the work an exceptional mix of strategic leadership, risk analysis and management, and integrity. Both the Board of Directors and Staff are impressed with the breadth of his management experience, his understanding of the field of domestic violence, and his strong leadership skills.”

The Partnership Board looks forward to working with Paul to create a California free from domestic violence. As the coalition turns its attention toward the search for the permanent Executive Director, staff members will provide additional updates on the process as they become available.

About the Partnership

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, representing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations and allied individuals across the state. Working at the state and local levels for nearly 40 years, the Partnership has a long track record of successfully advocating for over 200 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. The Partnership believes that by sharing expertise, advocates and legislators can help end domestic violence. Through our public policy, communications and capacity-building programs, we create system-wide change that supports survivors and invests in prevention. Every day we inspire, inform and connect all those concerned with this issue, because together we’re stronger. With offices in Sacramento, the Partnership’s member programs span the entire state. For more information, visit www.cpedv.org.

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