REST Welcomes Elizabeth Hodges as CEO

​REST, a Seattle-based organization that has been supporting victims of sex trafficking for the last 15 years, has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Hodges as their new Chief Executive Officer. Elizabeth is an experienced nonprofit leader that will bring positivity and commitment to the organization to further help sexual exploitation victims find the support they need through REST’s programs and services. 

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Board President Brent Turner expressed his excitement around having Elizabeth in the role in saying, 

We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth as the new leader of REST. Her passion for helping survivors heal and her experience in uplifting marginalized communities will be invaluable as REST continues to expand its impact and deepen its support for survivors in the community.

In speaking about her eagerness to lead REST into the next chapter of their mission, Elizabeth has explained, 

I am honored to join REST and support survivors of sex trafficking, some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Walking beside them on their healing journey and providing resources as they rebuild their lives is deeply meaningful to me. I’m excited to build on REST’s legacy and work alongside our partners, donors, and supporters to create lasting change in our community.

In her new role Elizabeth has expressed a vision of strengthening REST’s programs to expand and deepen its impact on the lives of those affected and the community at large to promote healing. REST’s goal is to utilize Elizabeth’s deep leadership experience and passion well to continue providing freedom, safety, and hope for survivors of sexual exploitation.

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth Hodges has more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience with an emphasis on empowering vulnerable communities that are facing some of today’s most difficult social and economic barriers. Through it all, Elizabeth has remained dedicated to affecting positive changes in the lives of all she touches. She is deeply committed to fostering organizational growth to achieve the kinds of social missions that truly help others thrive.

Previously, Elizabeth has served in key leadership roles giving a voice to women and children across the state. As the State Director at Communities In Schools of Washington and ED at Communities In Schools of Seattle she worked to close the education gap for marginalized children. At Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, as Director of Youth & Family Empowerment, she implemented a program called “Women 2 Work” that supported unemployed and underemployed single mothers to help fight poverty. While leading Techbridge Girls as the Greater Seattle ED she became the founding Program Director of “YWCA GirlsFirst,” teaching leadership and life skills to girls of color.

Elizabeth graduated from Seattle Public Schools in her youth and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Art as well as Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University. Today she serves as the Board Vice Chair of Urban ArtWorks.
Connect with Elizabeth >

About REST

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​In 2009 REST was formed to fill a void in the availability and efficacy of community support resources for victims of sexual exploitation. Without any local organizations available that could truly address the complex needs that these victims had, REST stepped in to offer comprehensive and compassionate exit services to them. Today they provide critical services like emergency housing, counseling, and recovery support to the victims of sex trafficking. Every year REST works with hundreds of victims taking a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach to their work to create foster healing and meaningful change.

About Valtas
Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change. We lead the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and executive search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader. We also partner with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments, offering comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs. Contact us to learn about our executive interim and placement services.

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