The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault recently announced Turner C. Bitton as its new executive director. Bitton brings a diverse background of nonprofit and for-profit experience to the coalition, most recently as membership coordinator at Equality Utah, Utah’s LGBTQ advocacy organization. Bitton began his new position at the coalition Oct. 31.
“It’s an honor to join the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault — the work of this organization is needed more now than ever,” Bitton said. “Our understanding of sexual assault as a ‘women’s issue’ is evolving, and new approaches, leadership, and public policy solutions are needed. I look forward to working with our coalition members, partners, and the community to eliminate the scourge of sexual assault in our society.”
As executive director of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Bitton will oversee an organization that works to build awareness of the pervasive issue of sexual assault in Utah communities and to foster a society where sexual violence is no longer tolerated.
“His wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership in service to our community will help the Coalition move forward in its mission to strengthen the effectiveness of sexual violence education, prevention and response in Utah,” said board chair Laurie Hofmann.
Bitton uses a data-centered approach to fund development and has lectured, spoken, and presented on the intersections between political engagement, donor cultivation, and digital organizing. Bitton is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Utah Nonprofits Association, Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, and the Grant Professionals Association. Turner also serves on the board of directors of several organizations. Bitton lives in Ogden with his husband Chase and their two dogs.
Originally named the Coalition of Advocates for Utah Survivors’ Empowerment, the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault was established in 1996 with federal Violence Against Women Act funding as a statewide coordinating coalition of rape crisis providers and a response to a critical lack of communication and continuity among sexual violence service providers throughout the state. Since that time, the organization has grown statewide and supports the work of local victim advocacy organizations.
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