Safe Harbor's Leadership Team
Gigi Williams
Executive Director
A Hickory native who lived here until the age of five, Gigi returned to Catawba County in 2019. Gigi met and became friends with Vicki Murray who introduced her to Safe Harbor. When Vicki later learned about Gigi’s professional experience, she asked if she would consider filling a gap in the Community Center Manager position until a new Manager could be hired. Gigi’s plan was to stay a few months but, once she experienced the ministry of Safe Harbor and witnessed how well they loved others, she knew this was exactly where she wanted to be. After serving as the Community Center Manager, she assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2022, and moved into the role of Executive Director in 2024.
A Christian, wife, mother of three great adults, and grandmother to one sweet grandson, Gigi has been married to Tony, her best friend, for forty years. She is an Appalachian State University alumni. Her professional experience includes DD Day Services Director, Residential Services Director, Social Worker, Evaluator, and Substance Abuse Counselor positions. Her hobbies include anything with her family, her animals, anything outside (beaches/mountains), and anything with water (swimming, kayaking).
Gigi serves as a lay pastor at Christ Church, is an active volunteer with her Life Group, recently completed a period of volunteering as a Guardian Ad Litem, and has years of experience volunteering in leadership roles at her previous church (Conference Delegate, served on Administrative Board, Bible Study Leader, Coordinator for church wide BBQ, Bible School Coordinator, Youth Counselor, Sunday School Teacher, etc.)
Her life verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Alecia Cates
Director of Operations
Alecia is a native of Lincolnton and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Political Science and African/African American Studies. Alecia has worked in management for the past 18 years in a variety of positions including Residential Counselor, Residential Coordinator, Program Manager, Assistant Director, Co-Director. She joined the Safe Harbor staff in February 2022 as Services Navigator; moving into Community Services Manager, Director of Programs and now Director of Operations.
Alecia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys playing billiards, bowling, swimming, and traveling anywhere tropical.
Alecia’s favorite quote is from Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”
