Free Named New Executive Director of The Sunshine House

Courtesy of The Sunshine House Children’s Advocacy Center

The Sunshine House Children’s Advocacy Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Haylee Free as Executive Director effective July 1. Free is replacing Carol Donaldson, who has served in that position since 1997. Donaldson will be retiring and has agreed to continue to serve on a part-time basis through the transition.

'I am so honored to have been chosen as the next Executive Director of The Sunshine House.” remarked Free. “I appreciate the trust Mrs. Carol Donaldson and the Board of Directors have placed in me to continue the wonderful work of this fine organization. The Sunshine House is a beacon of hope and healing for children and families affected by abuse. I look forward to working with the Board and the staff to be an advocate for those who need it most. I am excited to step into this new role to carry on the tradition of providing a happy and safe place for those whose lives have been traumatized by abuse. To be able to spend each day working hard for such a great purpose is a blessing.'

Free has a solid background of skilled management and leadership. She is a 2004 graduate of Georgia Southern University where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She worked in the business world as a licensed real estate agent for over seven years and served in education as a teacher, Director of Development, and for the past eight years, as Head of School at David Emanuel Academy. Free is an active member of Statesboro First Baptist Church and also attends Mount Shady Baptist Church.

“We’re very excited to welcome Haylee!” said Board President Jean Schwabe. “In addition to having a heart for children, she brings a wide variety of skills and experiences, and we know she will be a tremendous asset to the leadership of The Sunshine House.”

“I’m optimistic about the future of The Sunshine House,” Executive Director Donaldson commented, “and I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will be here to support Haylee and the entire organization in any way I can. I wish The Sunshine House continued success and growth in the years ahead, and I’m confident the future is bright.”

The Sunshine House was one of the first five children's advocacy centers in Georgia when it opened in January 1992. It provides a variety of free services to children and families at risk or affected by child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, drug endangerment, and to children who have witnessed violence. Among other services, the Center performs forensic interviews, advocacy and victim services, counseling and child abuse prevention programs, as well as support. through court trials. The Center serves Candler, Emanuel, Jefferson, Toombs and Washington counties, as well as 20 surrounding counties.