KING COUNTY, Wash. — After more than 40 years under the same leadership, the largest sexual assault resource center in the state has a new CEO.
Kate Krug started in the new position as the CEO of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) at the end of October and is currently under the guidance of now-retired CEO Mary Ellen Stone, who is working as a strategic advisor until the end of the year to help with the transition.
“I knew that I wanted to continue this path of gender equity and really fighting for those in underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Krug.
She has worked for more than 20 years in human services, mainly fundraising for groups that focus on victim services, housing, and workforce development for women.
“The majority of that time, I've really focused on the economic security, health, well-being, and safety of girls, women, transgender and non-binary individuals,” said Krug.
Krug is taking over at a crucial time for the resource center. KCSARC has seen a 20% increase in the need for services over the past five years, but funding has not gone up.
“We continue to see the need to support survivors, the need for services for survivors to rise,” said Krug. “But that sustainable funding path is something that we still need to fight for.”
In 2022, nearly 5,000 people accessed services directly from the center. 46% of those people were teenagers and children.
The resource center said it's an uphill battle to get the funding they need.
“We fought and pushed, and we'll continue to fight and push,” said Mary Ellen Stone, former CEO of KCSARC.
Stone has been fighting at the helm of the organization since the doors opened 44 years ago. As she retires, she hopes the state will create a stable funding source for sexual assault resources across the state.
“This needs to be a sustainable system, we can't be sort of cobbling it together,” said Stone. “We deserve better than this."
Krug said she'll continue the legacy of Mary Ellen Stone, by pushing for resources, and making sure victims voices are heard.
“Whether it's today or five years from now, we'll be here for them,” said Krug.
If you are in need of services or help, contact their 24-hour resource line at 888-998-6423