Safe Harbor's Leadership Team
Gigi Williams
Chief Executive Officer
A Hickory native, Gigi returned to Catawba County in 2019 and what began as a short-term commitment to Safe Harbor quickly became her calling. Over the past five years, she has served as Community Center Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director, and now Chief Executive Officer. A graduate of Appalachian State University, she brings decades of leadership experience in behavioral health, human services, day and residential services, and nonprofit management.
Gigi has been married to her husband, Tony, for more than 40 years. They have three adult children and three grandsons. She enjoys spending time with family, animals, reading, traveling and being outdoors, especially near the mountains, beaches, or water (swimming, kayaking, etc.). She serves as a lay pastor at Christ Church and is passionate about meeting people where they are with the love of Christ.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Direct Line: 828-624-0991
Email: gigi@safeharbornc.org
Alecia Cates
Chief Operating Officer
A native of Lincolnton, NC, Alecia graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Political Science and African/African American Studies. She has more than 20 years of management experience in residential and human services and joined Safe Harbor in 2022. Since then, she has advanced through several leadership roles to become Chief Operating Officer.
Alecia enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to tropical destinations, swimming, bowling, and playing billiards. She is passionate about advocating for those without a voice while leading with love, accountability, and God’s guidance.
Favorite Bible Verses: Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (NKJV)
II Corinthians 12:9 – “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Direct Line: 828-624-0932
Email: alecia@safeharbornc.org
Lisa Reeves
Senior Manager of HR
Originally from Hickory, Lisa spent several years traveling the world as an Army wife before settling in Morganton with her family more than 30 years ago. Before joining Safe Harbor in 2013, she worked in the medical field as an office manager, biller, and medical assistant. A graduate of Western Piedmont Community College with a degree in Medical Office Technologies, Lisa answered God’s call to ministry when she accepted an administrative position at Safe Harbor. Since then, she has become an integral part of the organization and earned her Human Resources Management certification through ExpertRating Global Certifications in 2019 (which she renewed in 2023).
Lisa and her husband, Phillip, have been married for more than 40 years and have two adult children, two grandchildren, and a very pampered toy poodle named Gus. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, canoeing, and traveling—especially cruising to tropical destinations.
Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do , work from the soul, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the inheritance which is your reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Direct Line: 828-624-1070
Email: lisa@safeharbornc.org
JoAnn Stanley
Senior Manager of Finance
JoAnn has more than 30 years of experience in accounting, financial management, and nonprofit administration. She studied Accounting, Business Administration, and Information Technology at the University of Maryland and Western Carolina University and previously served as Financial Director for the Catawba County Parenting Network.
Outside of work, JoAnn enjoys photography, music, swimming, and spending time with her family. She is committed to serving with integrity, excellence, and compassion.
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Direct Line: 828-624-1063
Email: joann@safeharbornc.org
Tinika McLain
Senior Manager of Programming
A native of Lincolnton, Tinika has dedicated more than 28 years to behavioral health and human services. Since joining Safe Harbor in 2022, she has advanced from Community Assistant to Senior Manager of Programming. She is passionate about helping women and children rebuild their lives and hopes to one day open a shelter of her own.
Tinika enjoys cooking, old-school gospel music, spending time with family and grandchildren, and is known for her fun-loving personality and sense of humor.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6–7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”
Direct Line: 828-624-1141
Email: tinika@safeharbornc.org
Senior Manager of Development
A Catawba County native, Pang joined Safe Harbor after careers in education and banking, bringing strengths in relationship building, communication, and community engagement. She is passionate about connecting people with Safe Harbor’s mission and believes God uniquely prepared her for this role.
Pang and her husband, Caleb, have three children and serve together in youth ministry at their church. She enjoys investing in the next generation and encouraging others in their faith.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Direct Line: 828-624-1062
Email: pang@safeharbornc.org
Stefanie Robinson
Senior Manager of Outreach
A lifelong Catawba County resident, Stefanie has supported Safe Harbor since 2008 as a volunteer, donor, and former ReSource Warehouse Director before serving in her current role. She loves sharing Safe Harbor’s mission and helping others see how God is transforming lives through the ministry.
Stefanie and her husband, Mark, have been married for 35 years and enjoy time with their two daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. She also serves as a lay director at Christ Church, leads a women’s cancer support group, and serves on the Walk to Emmaus board.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 103:1 – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”
Direct Line: 828-624-1110
Email: stefanie@safeharbornc.org