Bailey-Newell brings more than three decades of leadership experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors including healthcare, housing, education, and oil & gas. Her background spans strategic leadership, legal affairs, human resources, team development, organizational design, and mergers and acquisitions.
The Board of Directors of Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) selected Susan Bailey-Newell as HAWC’s President and CEO, effective January 1, 2026.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for HAWC as the organization continues to grow its services. HAWC is expanding access to safety, healing, and long-term stability for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking at One Safe Place Houston, its new comprehensive campus.
“The HAWC Board of Directors is an exceptional group of leaders who share a deep commitment to ending domestic and sexual violence in our community,” said Bailey-Newell. “I am honored and grateful for the Board’s confidence in my ability to lead HAWC’s dedicated team in this vital mission. I have seen the profound and lasting impact domestic and sexual violence has not only on survivors, but on families and communities. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to ensure survivors have access to resources and support they need.”
“In partnership with HAWC’s Board, community partners, donors, and supporters, I am eager to continue advancing HAWC’s mission, by deepening cross-sector partnership and systems coordination to maximize and strengthen services that help survivors to heal, rebuild and thrive,” said Bailey-Newell.
“We are pleased to welcome Susan Bailey-Newell as HAWC’s new leader,” said HAWC Board Chair Lisa Modica. “Susan brings outstanding personal and professional qualities that position her for success in this vital and challenging role. Through her local leadership in healthcare and the homeless response system, she is recognized for engaging community leaders and partners to act on behalf of the underserved, diverse populations in Houston. With more than three decades of executive experience guiding large organizations through complex and transformative change, Susan brings the necessary leadership to guide HAWC at this pivotal moment.”
About Houston Area Women’s Center
Since 1977, the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) has supported women, children, and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. HAWC provides safety and comprehensive, life‑saving services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, empowering individuals, families, and communities to transform trauma, achieve independence, and stop abuse before it happens.
In 2025, HAWC expanded its mission with the opening of One Safe Place Houston, a comprehensive campus that brings services together in one secure location for both residential and non-residential survivors. Survivors can access a full continuum of support—including a 24/7 hotline and crisis intervention, emergency and supportive housing, counseling, legal advocacy, hospital accompaniment, workforce readiness programs, children’s services, and prevention education.
Join us in making a difference. Visit www.hawc.org to learn how you can support survivors.