BREMERTON – The board of directors of the YWCA Kitsap County is pleased to announce the selection of Denise Frey as its new executive director.

Frey comes to the YWCA of Kitsap County with nearly thirty years of non-profit management experience, including leadership positions with YWCAs in San Diego and Sonoma County, California. She was also Regional President of the YWCA Southwest Delta Region from 2009-2011 and served on the Strong Foundation, Fearless Future Task Force of the YWCA USA during its national restructuring in 2012.

“Denise brings nearly 30 years of strong management and leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to the mission of the YWCA,” said Jessica Guidry, YWCA of Kitsap County’s board president. “She is also very warm and down-to-earth, and has incredible energy and passion for serving others.”

Frey was a founding member of the first Family Justice Center, a one-stop service center for victims of family violence, established in 2002 in San Diego. She was serving as executive director of the YWCA Sonoma County when the YWCA and the local district attorney’s office partnered in the launch of the Sonoma County Family Justice Center in 2011.

Enhancing her experience in non-profit leadership, Frey brings fundraising expertise as well to her new role with the YWCA of Kitsap County. She served as national director of Canine Companions for Independence, where she directed the fundraising efforts of an $11 million dollar national organization. Most recently, Denise has provided non-profit consulting services in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

“To have the opportunity to lead a YWCA once again at this point in my career, and in such an idyllic location close to family, is a dream come true. I look forward to working with the YWCA Board of Directors, staff and community stakeholders to move the YWCA of Kitsap County into a strong and sustainable future.” Frey admits that a big draw to the position is the fact that she has a new grandson in Silverdale. “I believe in full transparency!” she said with a smile.

The YWCA of Kitsap County is dedicated to ensuring the personal safety, rights, welfare, and dignity of those who experience domestic abuse while building partnerships and increasing community awareness to create positive social change. Each year, the YWCA serves over 6,000 people throughout the greater Kitsap area.