Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has officially named Muriel Malone Nolen as the Executive Director of the Crime Victims & Rape Crisis Center (CVRCC), a change that marks a significant leadership transition within the organization. Nolen, whose background includes a solid tenure as a former Shelby County Assistant District Attorney as well as the Director of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, brings to the table a wealth of experience in both prosecution and victim advocacy. This appointment is expected to chart a new direction for CVRCC as it takes on broader responsibilities, including recent expansions into domestic violence services.
According to a press release from Shelby County, Stephanie Williams has also been appointed as the first Deputy Director of the CVRCC. Williams, a seasoned professional in the spheres of non-profit and government, is poised to carefully oversee both operations and grant compliance as the agency grows. With her background, which includes serving as Director of Emergency Housing for the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA), Williams is set to strongly contribute to the CVRCC's vision for expanded victim support services.
The need for such expansions can be partially gauged by the increased volume of domestic violence cases the CVRCC has seen lately. Since early March, their services have reached over four times the number of domestic violence victims they previously assisted. The augmentation of staff and strategic leadership is in part a response to this pressing demand, indicating a future where the CVRCC can potentially offer more comprehensive help to those affected by crime in Shelby County.
Muriel Malone Nolen's track record is substantial, with years spent in the courtroom securing justice for victims, a sentiment echoed by Shelby County's Division of Community Services Director, Sandy Bromley. "Muriel Malone Nolen is a respected advocate with deep experience in both the courtroom and the community," Bromley stated, noting the impact she could have at the helm of CVRCC. Nolen herself expressed her commitment, saying, "It’s an honor to lead an agency dedicated to helping survivors find justice, healing, and hope. I’m committed to building on the CVRCC’s legacy and expanding our support for those most in need." This information was obtained from Shelby County's official announcement regarding the appointments.
