Dear Friends

Dear Friends of Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc.,

For 40 years, Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc. has been serving victims of crime who are residents or visitors in this amazing city. AVA stands firm on its mission, to advocate for the fundamental rights of victims while walking alongside them with compassion, dignity, and respect, and to aid in finding healing and justice. I am Shontel Brunson-Wright, AVA’s Executive Director, and I am proud to continue the great work of AVA with joy and compassion.

Returning to AVA as its leader is a true homecoming celebration. Prior to my selection as AVA’s Executive Director, I served as the Impact Director for Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. in which I supported and shared the outstanding work of the CASA Network throughout the state of Georgia. In my last twenty-four years, I’ve served in numerous leadership roles, including serving as the State of Georgia’s Victim of Crime Act State Administrator and working as the Program Director for the Victim Assistance Unit of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. I am a proud graduate of Saint Augustine’s University, where I studied Sociology and Social Work.

I am both honored and humbled by the Board’s decision to entrust AVA’s executive leadership to me. I know firsthand from the work that I have done in my career, including the time I spent with AVA, the indispensability of AVA’s advocacy for and service to crime victims and their families. I have long admired Brenda Muhammad and her legacy of service to the Atlanta community through AVA. I look forward to working closely with the many important stakeholders to chart out new, positive ground for AVA’s future in a manner that will build upon Brenda’s achievements.

Sincerely,
Shontel Brunson-Wright
Executive Director