Partnership Against Domestic Violence, the state of Georgia’s largest non-profit domestic violence organization, announced today that former Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Interim CEO Susan Thigpen will serve as Interim President and CEO of PADV while the search for a permanent leader to head the organization takes place. Thigpen is replacing Daphne Walker, who stepped down June 30.

“We are fortunate to have a leader of Susan Thigpen’s caliber working with PADV,” said Nicole Jennings Wade, Chair of PADV’s Board of Directors. “Susan successfully led the Girl Scouts of Atlanta through a transition period, and she has shown a true commitment throughout her career to the causes of women and families. We are confident her experience will help guide PADV in its mission of service to empower survivors of domestic violence.”

Before serving as Interim CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc., Thigpen spent 32 years in the banking industry with SunTrust in both banking and human resource roles. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Business School.

“Strong families are the cornerstone of our community,” Thigpen said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to serve families in need, empowering women and their children and working to end domestic violence.”

With 117 domestic violence-related homicides in 2014, Georgia has one of the highest rates of intimate partner violence deaths in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence during her lifetime. Georgia also has one of the highest rates of teen dating violence with one in three teens becoming victims, according to the CDC.

“Domestic violence remains a real issue,” Wade said. “Susan Thigpen’s appointment as Interim President and CEO helps us continue our important work, and allows the Board to take the time it needs to ensure we have the right leadership for PADV’s future.”