By Megan Wehring

The Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) is welcoming a new executive director to the team.

Melissa Rodriguez, who currently serves as the director of community partnerships, will take on the role at the end of this month. She previously served as the program director and forensic interviewer at Roxanne’s House, the HCWC’s children advocacy center.

“We feel confident Melissa will do a great job leading this critical agency,” said Katie McVaney, HCWC Board President. “Melissa has very impressive skills and experience and will be backed up by the competent HCWC staff.  The Board is prepared to support her as we continue to move forward to address the community’s needs.  We are confident she is the best person for the job.”

Rodriguez is excited to follow the footsteps of current director Marla Johnson, who is retiring on March 31.

“I believe wholeheartedly in the HCWC mission to create an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated in our community and to support victims of abuse,” Rodriguez said. “We have worked through so much together especially during the pandemic and maintained consistent, quality services. I’m really proud of that, but there is much more we want to do.  I can’t wait to work with our fabulous staff, Board of Directors and volunteers to keep moving our mission forward.”

Johnson said she is looking forward to supporting Rodriguez with the transition.

“Melissa is an excellent choice as a leader to move HCWC out of the pandemic restrictions while continuing to stretch to meet the growing community need,” Johnson said.

For more information about HCWC services, call 512-396-4357(HELP) 24 hours daily.