The Collier Children's Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) has appointed Sarah Owen to its board of directors, welcoming a new member with extensive nonprofit fundraising and event leadership experience.

Owen serves as the director of advancement events at Gulfshore Playhouse, where she has led fundraising initiatives, including the organization’s annual gala, for more than six years. She has also supported fundraising efforts for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, collectively helping to raise more than $88 million.

“We are pleased to welcome Sarah Owen to our Board of Directors,” said Jackie Stephens, CEO of Collier CAC. “Her experience, leadership and commitment to the nonprofit community will strengthen our work and support our mission to serve children and families affected by abuse.”

Collier CAC’s board leadership includes Brad Boaz, retired chief financial officer and executive vice president at Barron Collier Companies, as board chair; Chris Roberts, chief of law enforcement for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, as vice chair; Mokey Shea, senior managing director and senior vice president at Northern Trust, as treasurer; and Scott Chartier, retired senior manager at Arthrex Inc. as secretary.

Additional board members include David Gordley, Florida market president for First Horizon Bank; Dr. Salvatore Azalone, pediatrician at Healthcare Network; and Joseph Meek, retired healthcare executive.

To learn more about Collier CAC, visit caccollier.org.

About the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County 

The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the first point of care for children in Collier County when abuse is suspected. Since 1986, Collier CAC has provided forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapy, family advocacy and parent education in one child-centered setting, reducing what could be up to six separate agency visits to a single coordinated response.

Collier CAC is the only organization in Collier County legally authorized to perform forensic medical exams for children under 12 and to deliver medical, court advocacy and therapeutic services under one roof. All services are provided free of charge, removing financial barriers so families can access support regardless of circumstance.

While the organization partners closely with the Department of Children and Families, law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office and Collier County Public Schools, it is not a government agency. Collier CAC relies on community support to sustain and expand its work, as abuse occurs in every zip code.

To learn more about how Collier CAC is committed to helping children find safety, healing and hope, visit caccollier.org.