Family Guidance Center Names New Executive Director

Family Guidance Center of Catawba County’s Board of Directors is excited to announce LaWanda Brown as the new Executive Director of the agency. LaWanda has served as the court advocate and liaison for domestic violence and sexual assault clients for the past 16 years. She has worked closely with the District Attorney’s office, Catawba County Sherriff’s Office, Hickory Police Department, Catawba County Judicial System, and other law enforcement agencies in the area as she has assisted clients through the most challenging times of their lives. Named the Interim Executive Director in Transition in September 2018, LaWanda shadowed former FGC Executive Director, Ann Peele, for 3 months prior to Ann’s retirement at the end of 2018.

LaWanda’s desire to help our community in dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumatic life experiences drives her determined efforts to see FGC serve the members of the community. Judge Amy Sigmon Walker stated, “I know that Mrs. Brown is passionate in her desire to help this community in dealing with the issues of domestic violence and abuse. She has worked tirelessly for the past sixteen years in many different areas and roles and I cannot think of a more suitable individual to be the Executive Director for the Family Guidance Center.” LaWanda possesses the passion, knowledge, integrity, and leadership skills needed to successfully oversee the agency’s staff and programs, while cultivating strong relationships and partnerships within our community. Outside of work, LaWanda is a wife to her husband, Jeff, a mother to her son, Braxton, and an active member of Christ Church. We look forward to seeing Family Guidance Center thrive under LaWanda’s leadership in the coming years.

Funded primarily by United Way, federal grants, and individual donors, Family Guidance Center has provided hope and a lifeline for many people for over 60 years. To learn more about our services and how you can become involved, visit www.fgcservices.com.