(April 15, 2008) CALCASA Executive Director, Suzanne Brown-McBride received the Governor’s 2008 Crime Victim Advocacy Award for Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Victim Rights today. Governor Schwarzenegger presented the award to 12 individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the support and service of victims of violent crimes.

Schwarzenegger thanked the recipients “for doing the most compassionate, courageous and selfless work there is-helping victims of crime…I commend each of them for standing up and making a difference and for showing such leadership and dedication to their fellow Californians.”

The awardees, nominated by peers and colleagues, were greeted by both Governor Schwarzenegger and John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted.” Both men spoke of the extraordinary service provided by crime victim advocates and expressed their deep gratitude to the group.

Says Brown-McBride “It is very moving to be acknowledged for the work that we are passionate about. This award is a testament to many, many advocates in CALCASA’s membership whose ongoing work ensures that victims and survivors across the state get the best support we can provide.”

One CALCASA member agency, the Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF), had an advocate honored for Outstanding Service to Victims. Kam Lopez has been working with domestic violence survivors for the past nine years. Also receiving an award was Christine Ward from Crime Victims’ Action Alliance(CVAA) who has spent over 15 years advocating for victims of violent crime.

Of her co-awardees, Brown-McBride added “CPAF has done marvelous work for 30 years and Kam is a shining example of the level of service our members provide. I am also glad to share an honor like this with a good friend to CALCASA and a great advocate, Chris Ward of CVAA. We are excited to continue our work together.”

For nearly two decades, Brown-McBride has worked as a sexual assault victim advocate, serving as Executive Director to the Washington State Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs before taking the helm at CALCASA. Her tenure in California has included among others:

Chair-California Sex Offender Management Board

Member-California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery Task-Force

Member-Governor’s High Risk Sex Offender Task-Force I and II

Co-Chair-California Sex Offender Management Task-Force