Knoxville Family Justice Center Names New Executive Director

The Knoxville Family Justice Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hire of Kathryn Ellis as their new Executive Director. Ellis is an attorney with years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, making her an ideal choice to lead the Family Justice Center and its partners to ensure survivors have a wholistic solution to escaping and recovering from violence.
 
“Family violence is an issue that’s been at the core of my work from the beginning,” Ellis said about her transition to the FJC. “I consider myself fortunate every day to be able to develop collaborative relationships to improve access to justice for those in our community who most need support, empathy, and compassion.”
 
Dr. Ellis holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She later obtained both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Tennessee before going on for her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Ellis’ career has spanned private practice, academia, nonprofit, and community volunteering, giving her experience with many aspects of family violence and making her a natural fit to lead the collaborative arm for all domestic violence services in Knoxville and Knox County. 

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