A change in leadership is coming to the Retreat, a domestic violence shelter and advocacy organization in East Hampton.
After serving 10 years as executive director, Loretta Davis has announced plans to step down at the end of 2024 and move on to a new phase in her career. The nonprofit organization conducted a search and announced on Oct. 7 that it has hired Cate Carbonaro, formerly the director of the William Randolph Hearst Public Advocacy Center at Touro Law School, to succeed Ms. Davis in 2025.
In a release, the Retreat credited Ms. Davis with "the expansion of services at the shelter, the development of innovative programs such as prevention education, the addition of legal services for clients, as well as expanding counseling services to include both virtual and in-person sessions."
"She is widely respected for both her knowledge of the issues behind domestic violence and for her dedication and energy in communicating with the community, legislators, donors, and victims," Francesca Odell, co-chairwoman of the Retreat's board of directors, said in the release. "She has established a strong base on which our new executive director . . . will be able to innovate, build, and grow."
Ms. Carbonaro, who was also the Hearst Public Advocacy Center's director of public interest, taught a course on human trafficking and started a poverty law course at Touro. A member of the Suffolk County Women in the Courts Committee, the Women's Diversity Network, and the new Suffolk County Access to Justice Committee, Ms. Carbonaro earned her law degree at St. John's University and went on to work at the Legal Aid Society as a public defender in its Exploitation Intervention Project.
"The Retreat's mission is near to my heart," Ms. Davis said. "Over the last 10 years, I have been privileged to lead the Retreat, engaging our East End communities, our regional and state leadership, our donors, and critical community partners working towards a shared vision for a violence-free community. While I am excited for the next part of my career journey, I leave proud of what we have accomplished, and what the Retreat will accomplish in the future under new leadership."
She and Ms. Carbonaro are already working together to initiate a smooth leadership transition.
"Throughout my career, I've been dedicated to supporting people experiencing domestic violence, sex and labor trafficking, and criminalized survivors," Ms. Carbonaro said. "Joining the Retreat is a natural extension of this work, and I'm thrilled about the opportunity to lead such a respected organization that plays a critical role in empowering and healing our community."
"I believe we can expand our programs, strengthen our advocacy, and deepen our impact on the lives of survivors, ensuring they have the resources and support to rebuild their lives."
