Annie Fritschner has been named executive director of Steps to HOPE, announced board of directors President Kent Holden. 

“The Steps to HOPE Board of Directors realizes that Annie has years of experience in social services, fundraising and helping organizations improve their operations to serve more needs,” Holden said. “The board is excited about the new future of Steps to HOPE.” 

Fritschner has lived in Hendersonville since 1994 and is the 2013 recipient of the Vanessa Y. Mintz Athena Leadership Award for her work in human trafficking and women’s support. 

She is currently studying for an MBA at Lenoir Rhyne University in Asheville, and is ordained and currently on sabbatical from the Episcopal Church.

The mission of Steps to HOPE is to create a community free from the violence of domestic and sexual abuse through education, advocacy and client assistance.  Steps to HOPE provides temporary safe shelter, a five-bedroom shelter and services, including a crisis line available 24 hours a day to those seeking refuge from domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

– Submitted by Paula Ravan