September 15, 2023

WELLSPRING LIVING ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF FOUNDER MARY FRANCES BOWLEY

Atlanta, GA – Wellspring Living announced today that the nonprofit organization’s founder and executive director, Mary Frances Bowley, will retire effective January 1, 2024, after an incredible 23 years of dynamic trailblazing and life-changing leadership. Wellspring Living will continue to forge a pathway for those who have been victimized and who are at risk. Christian Murphy who was hired in the fall of 2022 as Deputy Director will transition into Chief Executive Officer and will lead the organization with Chief Culture and Talent Officer, Amber Stewart, and Chief Program Officer, Dr. Alissa Tertichny.

In 2000, Bowley became aware of the hidden truth that there were unseen, marginalized women in the community with no access to opportunities that could positively change the trajectory of their lives. As a result of this realization, she launched Wellspring Living in 2001 to provide tangible care for women in need.  The first women served by Wellspring Living were survivors of sexual exploitation which became the focus. The organization expanded to serve children several years later after then Mayor Shirley Franklin brought the issue of CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) to Bowley’s attention.   

Because of her perseverance, compassion, and faith,  Wellspring Living has reached thousands of women and children in need of hope and transformative care.  Bowley was a founding member of the Governor’s Task Force for CSEC Victims, a member of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and is currently on First Lady Kemp’s GRACE Commission.  Bowley is a recipient of numerous awards such as, The Phoenix Award issued by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and The Dream Forward Award issued by Dr. Bernice King.  Bowley has authored three books, League of Dangerous Women, The White Umbrella, and Make It Zero: The Movement to Safeguard Every Child.  

“Wellspring Living would not exist without the founding vision and profoundly dedicated leadership of Mary Frances Bowley. Mary Frances’ stewardship of the organization and her commitment to our participants have built Wellspring Living to be the gold standard for survivor care,” said Wellspring Living Board Chair Evia Golde.  “Her work has been an ongoing gift to the metro Atlanta area that will be recognized for decades.” 

The Board of Directors enlisted a top executive search firm to help clarify the leadership requirements and specifications for a CEO and after a comprehensive analysis and interview process, Murphy was selected to lead the organization’s staff, fundraising efforts and overall organization benchmarks. 

Christian Murphy brings with her a wealth of experience in the organization having served as an Annual Giving Officer for Spelman College, and as a Capital Campaign Manager, Director of Strategic Philanthropy and Chief Development Officer for the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. ​Murphy holds a B.A. in English and French from Spelman ​College and a ​Master of Public Administration​ from Georgia State University​.​ 

“Christian is passionate about our work and ideally suited to take the reins and shepherd Wellspring with skill and vision as we move into the next exciting phase of our work with survivors,” commented Golde. 

Previously a clinician, program coordinator, and social worker at Wellspring Living,  Dr. Alissa Tertichny, LCSW, rejoined the Wellspring Living staff in early 2023 as the Chief Program Officer after earning a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Georgia in 2022. Tertichny holds her B.S. in Spanish & International Health from Clemson University and her Master of Social Work from Kennesaw State University. Tertichny provides supervision, oversight, and program support to the residential programs, community programs, and post-program support. She will help the organization continue to expand impact in the area of program design and implementation, as well as research. 

Chief Culture and Strategy Officer Amber Stewart holds a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University and earned a teacher certification from Georgia State University. Stewart has a strong background in communications and education.  Stewart has been an educator for Teach for America and KIPP Metro Atlanta. She also led a nonprofit and served as APS’ Partnerships Manager. In 2018, Stewart began her own consulting work and later established a company focused on educating groups on diversity, equity and inclusion and building authentic community. Amber serves and supports the staff of Wellspring Living through culture building, leadership development and ensuring execution of the organization’s strategic plan.

Supporters may join Bowley and the new executive team at the 2023 Wellspring Living Gala, presented by Delta Air Lines and UPS, on Sunday October 8th at 6:00pm at the Intercontinental Buckhead. Wellspring Living will present Bowley with the Courage Award in recognition of her legacy of advocacy for survivors of sex trafficking. Attorney General Chris Carr and Attorney Nina Hickson will also be honored at the event.