Clery Center Announces Leadership Transition

On behalf of the Clery Center board of directors, I want to share the bittersweet news that our executive director, Jessica Mertz, will be moving on to an exciting new role with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, with her last day at Clery Center being February 21. 

While we are sad to see Jess leave, we are incredibly grateful for her leadership and the lasting impact she has made during her time with Clery Center. Under her guidance, we have strengthened our commitment to campus safety, expanded our outreach and training programs, and played a critical role in advancing policies that protect students. Most notably, Jess’s leadership was instrumental in the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, a landmark piece of legislation that enhances transparency and prevention efforts nationwide.

During one of the most challenging times in recent history, Jess led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting programs to support the field while ensuring the well-being of our staff and community. She spearheaded the development and successful implementation of a five-year strategic plan, raising the organization's visibility, growing our membership program, and providing a strong foundation for Clery Center’s ongoing growth and impact. This included establishing Clery Center’s National Advisory Council, bringing together campus-based professionals from diverse roles and backgrounds to provide insight into the evolving landscape of campus safety, and the launch of an new Individual Membership tier, making our resources more accessible to campus professionals. Throughout her tenure, Jess has prioritized policies, processes, and partnerships centered around our mission and our core organizational values, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability. 

As we begin this transition, we are pleased to share that Abigail Boyer, associate executive director, will step in as interim executive director, as she has done so effectively during previous leadership transitions. Abigail is a seasoned leader in campus safety, driving Clery Center’s mission since 2012 and spearheading nationwide initiatives to enhance prevention and response to campus violence. She successfully leads strategic partnerships, develops educational resources, and delivers expert guidance, while also shaping national conversations on the Clery Act. Abigail’s deep knowledge of our mission and her dedication to our work will ensure that we continue moving forward without interruption.

The board has already begun the search for our next executive director with the support of Andrew C. Wheeler at Lincoln Leadership. We are committed to finding a leader who will continue to advance our mission and build on the strong foundation that Jess, in partnership with the exceptional team and board, helped establish.

Please join us in thanking Jess for her years of dedication to Clery Center and wishing her all the best in her new role and future endeavors. You can read Jess’s letter about her departure here. We look forward to staying connected as she continues her work to empower and support young people.

With gratitude,

Sheilah Vance, Esq.
Chair, Board of Directors
Clery Center