Peaceful Paths announced Crystal Sorrow as its new chief executive officer on Friday, effective Jan. 1. 

Sorrow previously served as Peaceful Paths’ director of education and youth services, but stepped in as interim CEO in July, when Theresa Beachy, who had led the agency for 24 years, moved to the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida as organizational strategist. 

The Peaceful Paths board of directors unanimously chose Sorrow as incoming CEO, according to a Friday press release. 

Sorrow comes with over 20 years of experience leading teams, creating programming and educating students and the community. 

“I want to thank the Peaceful Paths’ Board of Directors for their knowledge and guidance during my time as Interim CEO. I am inspired by the trust they have placed in me with the offer of the CEO role,” Sorrow said in the press release. “It is an exciting time to lead the agency, as Peaceful Paths has served survivors of domestic violence in the Gainesville area for fifty years. I envision continuing that legacy of programming while growing new community connections.” 

Peaceful Paths is the state certified center that serves survivors of domestic violence in Alachua, Bradford, and Union counties. The organization focuses on intervention and prevention to address issues around intimate partner violence in its mission to “save lives and create change.” 

Peaceful Paths provides free and confidential services, including 24-hour text/helpline, emergency shelter, supportive housing, trauma informed counseling, support groups, youth programming, community education and training, violence prevention programs, food and clothing pantries and legal services. 

Since January 2024, Peaceful Paths has provided services to more than 4,000 survivors and their children.