MANCHESTER, NH – After nearly four decades of exemplary leadership, Marcia “Marty” Sink, founder, president, and CEO of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire, is retiring. Since founding the organization in 1989, Sink has dedicated her career and so much of herself to giving New Hampshire’s most vulnerable children – those who have experienced abuse and neglect – a voice in court and a chance at a brighter future.
Reflecting on her career, Sink said: “It’s hard to express how grateful I am for the gift of working for CASA of NH all these years. Being a part of developing and expanding the organization has been a tremendous joy and a privilege. The partnerships we have created with our stakeholders have given us the ability to become a trusted partner in this work. All those relationships are important, but it is the belief of the NH Judiciary in CASA – their recognition of the value of our work – that has been the backbone we needed to grow over the years and ultimately advocate for thousands of victims. My life has been full and blessed, and I look forward to the future knowing the passionate, professional, and caring people who make up CASA will continue to further the mission.”
A longtime Manchester, NH, resident, Sink was a foster parent when she first witnessed the challenges and shortcomings of the foster care system. Motivated by the fact that she never met the GAL assigned to her son’s case, she originally hoped to volunteer with a then-novel organization, the Seattle-based Court Appointed Special Advocates. Learning that CASA was not yet established in New Hampshire, she and a committed group of stakeholders established CASA of NH.
With no legal background but with a deep commitment to children, Sink grew CASA of NH from originally 10 volunteers in two courts to a widely respected and trusted organization with more than 600 current volunteers who advocate for children across the state. Under Sink’s leadership, CASA of NH has trained more than 3,000 volunteers who have advocated for over 13,000 children in every New Hampshire Circuit Court.
Recognizing Sink’s extraordinary work, The Hon. Judge Susan Carbon noted: “Marty Sink is a force of nature. Nearly 40 years ago, she embarked upon a challenge to the court system – to open its doors to volunteers from all walks of life to represent the best interests of children in cases of abuse and neglect. This was no small feat. Courts are slow to change, but her gentle and persistent persuasion led to a profound and unique way to bring the voices of children into court. She grew CASA of NH out of whole cloth, and court by court, judge by judge, convinced us that volunteer advocates could provide insight and understanding into the lives of children, the likes of which had never been done before. We as a court system are deeply indebted to Marty for bringing such a visionary program to New Hampshire. The presence and participation of CASA in courtrooms all across New Hampshire has vastly improved our ability to serve children and families in these difficult cases.”
Sink’s leadership has extended far beyond CASA. She has served on numerous state and national boards and task forces, including Chair of the National CASA Board of Directors, the Attorney General’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, the New Hampshire Child Fatality Review Team, an executive committee member on both the Merrimack County Model Court Project and the New Hampshire Court Improvement Project, the New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission, the New Hampshire Oversight Commission on Children’s Services, and Gov. Shaheen’s Judicial Selection Commission. Her efforts have strengthened New Hampshire’s child welfare and judicial systems while amplifying the voices of the children CASA of NH serves.
Noted CASA of NH Board of Directors Co-chair Evelyn Aissa: “For nearly four decades, Marty has been a leader among leaders in New Hampshire and nationally – a tireless, audacious, and unparalleled advocate for the well-being of the most vulnerable children in our communities. Marty built CASA of NH into one of the most vital non-profits in our state – all with the spirit of believing in the promise of each and every child and the power of ordinary community members to step up to help ensure they have the safe homes and strong futures they each deserve. As we celebrate the gift of Marty’s leadership, CASA of NH is on its strongest footing ever today and ready for the next chapter of great leadership!”
CASA of NH Board Co-chair Paul Chant adds: “CASA is an amazing organization staffed with truly exceptional people and wonderful volunteer advocates. Marty’s commitment and profound love for her kids permeates CASA, from the attention and support given to the advocates and staff, to the raising of substantial funds each year through donor relationships, and, of course, in building a talented, strategic board that is well-prepared to guide the organization into the future.”
To ensure a seamless continuation of the organization’s critical work, CASA of NH’s board of directors has appointed a search committee and engaged the national search firm Kittleman & Associates to assist in selecting the organization’s next leadership. Sink will remain in her role until her successor is in place.
About CASA of NH
Since 1989, CASA of New Hampshire has provided a voice for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in New Hampshire by empowering a statewide network of volunteer guardians ad litem to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. These advocates are trained in trauma-informed best-interests advocacy and get to know the children and the important people in those children’s lives. CASA of NH advocates are in a unique position to make detailed recommendations in court, so judges can make informed decisions on what’s in a child’s best interests.
To learn more about CASA and how to get involved or support this statewide nonprofit, visit www.casanh.org.