Guiding the National Effort to Support Youth and Strengthen Communities

National Safe Place Network is guided by dedicated leaders from corporate, nonprofit, academic, and public-sector organizations. Their expertise strengthens NSPN’s strategic direction, supports responsible stewardship, and ensures the Network remains a trusted national resource for youth-serving organizations.



NSPN’s leadership model brings together governance, advisory insight, and operational experience to support a reliable, nationwide system of response for young people.

Board of Directors

The NSPN Board of Directors provides executive-level oversight and strategic guidance to the organization. Board members bring extensive experience in business, youth services, public safety, philanthropy, and community leadership. Their direction helps ensure NSPN’s national programs, partnerships, and operations remain strong, accountable, and mission-focused.

The Board of Directors plays an essential role in maintaining NSPN’s commitment to strengthening the national system of care for youth.

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Dough Butcher

Board Chair

Senior Vice President

CBRE

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James Wallace

Board Vise Chair

Senior Principal, Chieff of Staff

Discover Financial Services

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Julia Richardson

Board Tresurer

Government Relations Advisor

King & Spalding

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Gayle Watts

Board Secretary

Chief Executive Officer

Children's Aid Society

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Lisa Butcher

Senior Vice President, Commercial

Real Estate Lending Division

Republic Bank

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April Christina Curley

Engagement and Partnerships

Manager

Last Mile Education Fund

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Sammy Davis

VP, Safety & Security

Papa Johns International

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Joli Guenther

Advisory Board Co-Chair

Executive Director

Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services

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Curtis Joe

Advisory Board Co-Chair

Executive Director

Sea Haven

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Jeff Lenard

Vice President of Strategic

Industry Initiatives

National Association of Convenience Stores

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Brian Mallory

Executive Director, Supplier

Quality

Consultant, GE Appliances

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Rick Nord

Detective

KY Office of the Attorney

General

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Lauren Sherry

Community Relations Manager

QuickTrip Corporation

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Michelle Tutunjian

Immediate Past Advisory

Board Chair

Community Volunteer

National Advisory Board

The National Advisory Board offers insight, field experience, and perspective on emerging needs within youth services. Members include youth leaders, program staff, service providers, business partners, community advocates, and others who help inform NSPN’s priorities and initiatives.

The Advisory Board helps:

  • Identify trends affecting youth and families
  • Strengthen communication with affiliates
  • Support NSPN’s policy and outreach efforts
  • Guide field-facing resources and training
  • Promote practical strategies that advance service quality


Advisory Board members serve three-year terms and contribute to the Network’s continued growth and responsiveness.

Joli Guenther | Advisory Board Co-Chair, Wisconsin Association of Runaway and Homeless Youth Services

Curtis Joe |  Advisory Board Co-Chair, Sea Haven, Inc.

Michelle Tutunjian |  Immediate Past Advisory Board Chair 

John Andoh |   El Paso Transit Authority

Promod Bishnoi |  Mountain Comprehensive Care Center

Judith Clark |  Hawaii Youth Services Network

Valerie Douglas |  The Center for Youth

Sydney Foster |  Immerse Arkansas

Arash Ghafoori |  Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

Melinda Giovengo |  Victory Programs

Tibby Milne |   Utah Council for Crime Prevention

Kelsey Mosley |   Haven House Services

David Mount |  Seton Youth Shelters

Brigitt Nasby |   Indiana Youth Services Association

Chelsea Parker |  Safe Harbor Children’s Center

Elizabeth Sanchez |  Prevail

Jamie Snyder |   Our Family Services

Erin Strohbehn |   Youth in Need

Soutdaly Sysavath |  Wichita Children's Home

Bryan Thompson |  Cocoon House

David Vance |  Community Volunteer

Lyric Wardlow |  Ending Community Homelessness Texas

NSPN Team

NSPN’s team includes professionals with deep experience in youth services, program development, crisis response, public safety, trauma-informed practice, training and facilitation, human trafficking prevention, evaluation, and nonprofit operations. Team members bring applied expertise from the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) and child welfare sectors, and some hold international certification in youth care practice. NSPN supports local, state, and national partners through training, consultation, and program implementation, offering practical guidance and strategies that help organizations strengthen their response to youth and families.


Supporting agencies nationwide with practical tools and guidance for stronger youth services.

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Meet the President & CEO: Laurie Padilla

Laurie Padilla serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of National Safe Place Network. With more than 37 years in the youth services field and extensive experience in national leadership, Laurie oversees NSPN’s programs, partnerships, and organizational vision. Her background includes direct service, program development, financial management, federal grants administration, training, and national policy engagement.


Laurie leads NSPN’s commitment to strengthening the national response for youth in crisis and supporting the organizations that serve them.


For professional inquiries, contact: lpadilla@nspnetwork.org