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End Community Violence Now Announces New Board Members, Creation of Advisory Board

ECVN’s Advisory Board is tasked with providing strategic oversight and cross-sector alignment to reduce community gun violence across Delaware

WILMINGTON – Today, End Community Violence Now (ECVN) announced the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission of ensuring every community is free from the threat of gun violence, and where all residents – especially youth and historically marginalized populations – can thrive in safe, connected environments.

Since its official launch in December 2024, ECVN has been able to:

● Align efforts across public health, public safety, philanthropy, and community-based organizations

● Elevate community-based and evidence-informed violence prevention strategies

● Secure innovative funding and policy support for local violence intervention programs

● Build and strengthen partnerships to drive efficiency and data-sharing

● Promote youth leadership and mentorship in violence prevention efforts

“The appointment of our new Board of Directors and the formation of our Advisory Board is a testament to the power of community and collaboration,” said ECVN Executive Director Lauren Footman. “ECVN’s vision of collective impact is grounded in working alongside the people and organizations who are already in the community, doing this life-saving work every day. I’m personally motivated by the belief that we can create spaces where everyone – especially our young people – can thrive without fear. With these new partnerships and diverse perspectives at the table, I’m confident that we will continue making real, meaningful progress toward safer, stronger communities for all.”

Effective Monday, October 6, ECVN’s new board of directors includes:

● Chair: Amy Handy

● Vice Chair: Renata B. Kowalczyk

● Secretary: Tynetta Brown

● Treasurer: Mike McLively

● Romain Alexander

● Chris Grundner

● Nathaniel McQueen

● Natalie Di Sabatino (new)

● Jonathan Starkey (new)

 

“Having served as Vice Chair and Interim Chair, I’m both honored and excited to step into the role of Chair for ECVN as we continue our vital work to end gun violence in Delaware,” said ECVN Board Chair Amy Handy. “This is a deeply personal issue for so many, and over the last year, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that community-driven efforts can have. The work we’re doing is only possible through collaboration—working hand-in-hand with community leaders, survivors, and organizations to drive real change. I’m looking forward to helping guide ECVN as we build on our momentum, create safer spaces for all, and ensure that every Delawarean has the opportunity to thrive.

Additionally, ECVN has officially launched its Advisory Board which is tasked with providing the board and the organization with recommendations, strategic oversight and cross-sector alignment to reduce gun violence across Delaware. The Advisory Board ensures that ECVN’s work is informed by lived experience, grounded in best practices, and sustained through cross-sector collaboration.

The Advisory Board will be composed of representatives from: community leaders and survivors; public health professionals, youth and grassroots organizers; law and policy experts; and government representatives.

ECVN’s Advisory Board includes:

● Chair: Shania Trammell, strategic partnerships associate, American Oversight

● Alexandra Wynn, postdoctoral researcher, Delaware Statewide Health Improvement Plan

● Jalyn Powell, CEO and founder of OUTLOUD LLC

● Beth Kopicki, founder of Nonviolent Seaford

● Cammerin Norwood, founder of Our R.O.O.T.S. Foundation (Reclaiming Our Own Through Support)

● Dorothy Dillard, director of the Center for Neighborhood Revitalization and Research, Delaware State University

Shania Trammell has been named chair of ECVN’s Advisory Board. Trammell is a 2019 graduate of Villanova University with experience at several advocacy and education reform nonprofits. Trammell formerly served as a Grants Specialist and Outreach Representative in now U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester’s Congressional Office and currently manages national partner relations for a nonpartisan watchdog organization.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Chair of ECVN’s newly minted Advisory Board,” said Trammell. “ECVN stands firmly at the intersection of directly-impacted community members, those in service of Delawareans affected by community violence, policymakers, and philanthropic partners together blending ideas and practice to directly address issues and strengthen impacted communities. ECVN’s work is demonstrative of community collaboration leading to effective change. I am ecstatic to work with fellow Advisory Board members and ECVN collaborators alike to support and uplift ECVN’s vision, mission, and goals.”

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End Community Violence Now (ECVN) is the state of Delaware’s community-based Office of Violence Prevention. This public-private partnership seeks to break the cycle of violence

through coordinated and sustained investments in evidence-based programs. This includes community engagement and education campaigns, policy advocacy, stakeholder strategy, as well as offering technical assistance and grant-making support to local organizations on the ground doing the difficult, but necessary work. ECVN envisions a future where all Delawareans are safe from the rising threat of gun violence.