Christina Byrne is new executive director of Safe Haven

MILFORD — Safe Haven of Pike County is welcoming Christina Byrne as its fourth executive director in two and a half years.
Byrne was unanimously chosen by Safe Haven’s Board of Directors, said Valerie Seitz O’Hare, board oresident, and Allison Taylor, vice president, on March 22.
Safe Haven assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing counseling, crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, advocacy, safe housing, and supportive services.
“I am excited to have been chosen for this position and look forward to building on the important work that Safe Haven has been doing in Pike County to eradicate domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes through a comprehensive network of free prevention programs and support services available to survivors and their families," said Byrne.
Byrne replaces Tamara Chant, appointed executive director in December 2016. Chant held the position for a year and three months, during which time Safe Haven moved into bigger and more centralized offices at 402 Broad St. in Milford Borough.
Chant had replaced Elisabeth Heij, who served for only nine months, from March 2016 to December 2016.
Heij replaced David Bever, who had served for four years before leaving in August 2015 for a job at the Office of the Victim Advocate in Harrisburg.
15 years of leadershipByrne joins Safe Haven with more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience in a career dedicated to serving children and families in need. Most recently she served as the Senior Vice President of Accreditation Operations for the Council on Accreditation in New York City, where she was responsible for leading the strategic growth and day-to day operations. Previously, as the Director of Planning and Performance for Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C., she was responsible for directing the performance and quality improvement initiatives for more than 80 social services programs.
Byrne has recently relocated to Pike County after living in New York City for the last seven years. She holds a Masters in Social Work Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia, and a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. She has extensive experience working closely with public and private stakeholders, including Boards of Directors, elected officials, policy-makers, and regulators to advocate for the people served and otherwise advance the mission of the work. Outside of work, Byrne enjoys volunteering with animal rescue, traveling, and kayaking and looks forward to exploring all that the Delaware Valley has to offer.
Safe Haven reported $427,716 in revenue for the calendar year beginning July 1, 2015, according to its income tax filing. Expenses for that year were $363,017.
In that year, $203,224 was spent on salaries and wages, and $197,084 spent on program services. Fundraising was anemic in 2015, with $35,097 raised compared to $61,564 in 2014 and $57,398 in 2013.
For more information about Safe Haven call 570-296-2827.