Community Corner

Domestic Violence Center Names New Director

Jennifer Politt Hill will assume her new duties Feb. 21.

The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County has announced the appointment of Jennifer Politt Hill as the organization's new executive director.

Politt Hill will begin her leadership of the center Feb. 21, according to a press release from the Board of Directors.

"We are delighted to welcome Ms. Politt Hill to the DVC and have great confidence in her deep commitment to and experience in the fields of domestic violence and sexual assault," Board of Directors Chairwoman Lara Weathersbee said in the statement.

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The appointment comes in the aftermath of a tumultuous year for the organization that saw its entire Board of Directors resign, its

The organization appointed after former executive director Annie Burton-Byrd was removed from the position.

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Burton-Byrd had been hired without what the county considered a proper background check, according to the Baltimore Sun.

It was discovered that Burton-Byrd's name appeared on a list of people banned from handling federal money.

The center's board members resigned in March and were replaced by volunteers appointed by Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.

County funding to was reinstated after Burton-Byrd was placed on administrative leave.

Politt Hill brings a "wealth of experience" to the organization, according to the statement.

She has devoted her career to human services, with particular focus on domestic violence, sexual assault and victims' rights.

Politt Hill was formerly the executive director for the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and has worked for the Maryland Network Afainst Domestic Violence.

She has a master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practices and a bachelor's degree in social psychology from Mary Baldwin College.

Politt Hill is currently a grants management specialist with the District of Columbia Office of Victim Services.



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