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, His Ministry 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.”
Lisa Reeves
Senior Manager of HR
Lisa hails from Hickory. After several years of exploring the world as an army wife, she and her family made Morganton their home 30 years ago.
Prior to joining Safe Harbor, Lisa worked as a medical office manager and biller, as well as a medical assistant in various small medical practices. She graduated from WPCC with a degree in Medical Office Technologies, but in 2013, she felt a strong calling from God to embark on a new path. Unexpectedly, she received a message from Debbie Haynes’ daughter, a former colleague, asking if she would be interested in an administrative role. Lisa accepted and has been part of Safe Harbor ever since.
She and her husband, Phillip, have been married for over 40 years and have two adult children, two grandchildren, and a very pampered toy poodle named Gus.
During her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, walking, and canoeing. She also has a passion for travel, particularly cruising to tropical destinations.
Tanika McLain
Senior Manager of Programming
Tinika is a native of Lincolnton and loves the excitement of law Enforcement. She began following in the footsteps of her mother and began her studies in Criminal Justice at Ashford University and Gaston Community College.
But Tinika’s passion was leading her in a different direction. Hence, Tinika started working in the Mental Health field which led to providing service for over 24 years in a variety of positions including Direct Support, One–on–One Services, Guardianship, Residential Counselor, Residential Supervisor, and Residential Manager. Managing a total of 6 facilities during this time. Tinika also worked for a non-profit organization called the House of Hope that helped foster parents get the personal items needed for the children coming into different homes. Which led her to DSS, helping with the emergency placement of fostering children in her home. She joined the Safe Harbor staff in November of 2022 as Community Assistant, moving into Community Assistant Manager, on to Community Service Manager , and now the Senior Manager of Community Services. Tinika’s future doesn’t stop here. One day she sees herself following in the footsteps of Safe Harbor and opening a shelter and available emergency housing for women and children.
Tinika enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves cooking, listening to oldies but goodies, old school gospel music, watching cartoons, and learning every Disney song that goes to the movies with her grandchildren. Tinika is a big kid at heart, loves having fun, and has a very funny sense of humor! Tinika’s favorite Bible verse that she lives by daily: In Translation- Don’t worry about anything; Instead pray about everything! Philippians 4:6-7
Gina Setterlind
Senior Manager of Development
With generations of family in Hickory, Gina has a strong connection to this community and is honored to serve it. She is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in direct and indirect sales and marketing. She has dedicated the past three years to development at Safe Harbor. She considers it a privilege to work at an organization that is making a lasting impact in the lives of women and families through faith, compassion and service.
A proud graduate of Montreat College, Gina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with specialized training in nonprofit management. This educational background, combined with her extensive industry experience, equips her to navigate the complexities of the nonprofit sector while consistently delivering results. Through the years, Gina has prioritized involvement in service at church and in groups such as the Morganton Service League and Rotary. She has also served as an Ambassador for the Burke Chamber for the past 3 years.
Beyond her professional achievements, Gina has a deep faith in the Lord and is a devoted wife and a proud mother of three emerging adult daughters. She shares her life with her husband John, who is fully committed to his vocational role as a Pastor in Morganton, NC where they have served for the past 16 years. Balancing her role as Senior Manager of Development at Safe Harbor with a fulfilling family life, Gina brings passion, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to every endeavor. Gina’s life verse is Micah 6:8 “He has shown you o mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”. This verse inspires her to use the gifts she has been given to live out her faith through action.
Stefanie Robinson
Senior Manager of Community Outreach
Stefanie is a Catawba County native and loves this community. She and her husband Mark, of 34 years, are blessed with 2 daughters, 2 son-in-laws and 2 granddaughters.
Previously, Stefanie was on staff with Safe Harbor as the ReSource Warehouse Director. While going through surgeries and chemo for Breast Cancer, she needed a leave of absence. God raised up wonderful leaders in Stefanie’s absence and when she returned, she felt God was moving her.
Earlier this year, God opened the door for Stefanie to return to Safe Harbor, a place that has held her heart and her passion. With the role of Community Outreach, Stefanie is able to share about how Safe Harbor meets women, right where they are with the love of Christ. She serves as a lay director at Christ Church, hosts a weekly Women’s Cancer Support Group and serves on the board for the Walk to Emmaus, a 72 hour journey with God.
Psalm 103:1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. I love this verse because it means I was created for the purpose of praising my creator! My soul hungers for Him and He is what fills my heart.
