In a press release received late Monday afternoon, YCC announced the appointment of Denette Stanger to the position of executive director, effective as of Jan. 1.

“A native of Ogden, Stanger brings over 14 years of experience in victim services, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy to this vital role,” the release said. “This marks a significant new chapter for YCC as Ogden and Morgan counties are experiencing unprecedented growth and as YCC enters its 80th year of serving vulnerable populations.”

Stanger, who previously served at YCC as the Victim Assistance Center director, told the Standard-Examiner on Tuesday that she’s always had a passion for advocacy.

“I’ve had opportunities to work at other local community-based domestic violence programs,” she said. “I worked at YCC  for seven years before leaving to work for the state. When I heard the executive director position was open, I wasn’t looking for a position, but when I heard about that, it was just such an opportunity to go back to an agency that I love so much.”

At YCC, she served as an advocate and as a director of the group’s Victim Assistance Center until 2022, when she left to work for the Utah Office for Victims of Crime.

“YCC has always had a really special place in my heart and I grew up in Ogden,” Stanger said. “In so many ways, returning to YCC  in the role of executive director felt sort of like returning home.”

Angela Choberka, YCC board president, also is excited to see Stanger returning to the organization.

“Denette’s expertise and unwavering commitment to trauma-informed care make her the ideal leader for this role,” she said in the YCC press release. “Her vision and dedication will elevate YCC’s impact and ensure we continue to meet the needs of Weber and Morgan counties.”

Stanger said her goals are to improve policy and continue working with community partners.

“This work that we do, serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, is something that one agency can’t solve alone,” she said. “I look forward to strengthening relationships with community partners, with law enforcement and the other local nonprofits in the area to make sure that we’re providing wraparound services and giving victims the best chance to move through this complex structure in the way that best works from them.”

Stanger said she also wants to make sure YCC is treating its staff well and giving them the tools they need to succeed.