Strategic Leadership Enhanced: Andre Grinston Steps Into Executive Role at Safe Connections
André Grinston, MBA, CFRM, has joined Safe Connections as the Chief Development and Marketing Officer. Grinston, a Ph.D. candidate, brings extensive expertise in higher education fundraising, university administration, marketing, business and economic development, as well as executive leadership development and coaching. In this role, he will lead Safe Connections’ Development and Marketing efforts to build awareness and marshal financial support to transform lives.
Grinston earned an MBA from William Woods University, as well as a B.S. degree in Marketing from Lincoln University. In addition to doctorate studies at Jackson State University, he has been accepted into the Business Management for Nonprofit Leaders (Certificate?) program at Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis.
Safe Connections, a 501(c)(3) organization, was started more than 40 years ago as the Women’s Self-Help Center. Today, it is an established and innovative nonprofit leader in the St. Louis area, working to reduce the impact and incidence of domestic and sexual violence through individual and group therapy, 24-hour crisis intervention, and prevention education programming. Nearly 20,000 individuals are served each year by Safe Connections, including people of all genders and sexual orientations.
Grinston shared his perspective on joining the organization: “I am deeply honored to join Safe Connections, an organization that has transformed lives and empowered communities for more than four decades. I am excited to lead efforts that will expand our reach, enhance our impact, and further the mission of creating a world free of domestic and sexual violence. Through collaboration and innovation, we will continue to provide essential services and build awareness across the region.”
Grinston is an advocate for service through volunteerism and sits on the board of several community organizations, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lincoln University Advisory Board, The United Way, and YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office).
In his new role, Grinston will oversee several upcoming initiatives, including the TOGETHER event scheduled for May 10, 2025, which aims to engage the community and raise critical funding to support Safe Connections’ impactful programs. Additionally, he looks forward to amplifying awareness of the organization’s prevention education programming, which equips thousands of young people annually with tools to identify and prevent violence.
For more information about Safe Connections and its mission, please visit safeconnections.org or contact André Grinston directly at (314) 646-7500.
#Leadership #Marketing #Nonprofits
