The Marjaree Mason Center CEO who guided the organization through significant growth announced she is leaving after the domestic violence counseling and prevention nonprofit finds a new leader.

After nine years with the nonprofit, Nicole Linder said Thursday that the time was right to step away given the organization’s strong footing. She will stay in the position until the board finds a replacement, she said.

“Leading the Marjaree Mason Center has been the honor of my career,” Linder said in a news release.”I am deeply proud of all that we have accomplished together and confident in the strength of our team, our partners, our mission, and community impact.

“While it is not easy to step away, I believe that it is the responsibility of organizations to make transitions while things are on solid ground and know this is the right time for me and for the Marjaree Mason Center.”

Linder Oversaw Significant Growth, Including a New HQ

During her tenure, Linder oversaw program and service expansions that culminated in a brand new facility in northwest Fresno, centralizing the 46-year-old organization’s footprint.

“Nicole has been an extraordinary leader whose vision and dedication have transformed the Marjaree Mason Center,” said board president Kerri Horn. “Her legacy of impact will continue to benefit our community for years to come. The board is committed to honoring her accomplishments while moving forward with a careful and inclusive process to identify the organization’s next leader.”

Shortly before stepping into the role, the nonprofit began offering services to men suffering from domestic violence, Linder told GV Wire. During her time there, they greatly expanded their children and teen outreach.

Reaching Out to the Entire Community

In the past, domestic violence services across the nation were limited to shelter. As attention and resources have grown, shelters including Marjaree Mason offer services such as help filing restraining orders, mental health services, and more, Linder said.

In addition, the nonprofit offers services to men suffering from domestic violence. And, Linder told GV Wire, during her time there, they’ve greatly expanded their child and teen outreach.

“One of the critical components of our new Isnardi Foundation building is to expand and grow our reach for anybody who needs our services,” Linder said.

Before joining Marjaree Mason, Linder worked at Valley Children’s Healthcare, Fresno Pacific University, and the city of Fresno.