Safe Harbor's Leadership Team
Vicki Murray
Safe Harbor’s CEO
Vicki believes that, “God has led me on an amazing journey that has allowed me to serve in the position of Executive Director of Safe Harbor. I stand in awe daily of God’s transforming work through the lives of those that seek help through Safe Harbor. I also am amazed at the generosity of this community.”
She was born and raised in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Before becoming the Executive Director of Safe Harbor in 2013, she was self-employed for 38 years; 19 years with a direct sales company and as co-owner, with her husband, of A1 Tile in Hickory for the next 19 years
Vicki was introduced to Safe Harbor in 2008 and over the years served as a volunteer, a board member, a mentor, a Resource Development Coordinator and founded the annual fundraiser, Celebrate the Harvest.
In 2013, she became the Executive Director and has served with excellence as Safe Harbor grows. She loves learning and is a strong advocate of coaching and mentoring. Her passion is to see women flourish through living out their purpose in Christ.
Vicki has been married to Chris Murray for 44 years. She has 2 children and 3 extraordinary grandchildren! She attends Christ Church where she serves as a lay pastor and life group leader. She enjoys playing golf and is intentional about keeping a balanced life of faith, family, and fitness.
Gigi Williams
Chief Operating Officer
A Hickory native, Gigi had not lived in Hickory since childhood until she moved back from Cornelius in 2019.
Gigi came to Safe Harbor in 2021 intending to help fill a gap in the Community Center Manager position for “a few months” until a new Manager could be hired. But once she became a part of this ministry, she knew this was exactly where she is supposed to be and assuming the role of COO in 2022 is exactly what she is supposed to do.
A Christian wife, mother of three great adults, and grandmother to one sweet grandson, Gigi has been married to Tony, her best friend, for thirty-eight years.
Gigi is an Appalachian State University alumni and 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 Lifegroup, and recently completed a period of volunteering as a Guardian Ad Litem. Her life verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Sarah Blanton
Director of Development
Sarah has had the privilege of working in the substance use & recovery field since 2007 and came to Safe Harbor in 2014. Sarah is a social worker, recovery ally, and advocate.
She resides in Bethlehem with her loving husband Josh and their three precious children: Ethan, Adalyn, and Noah. Her family loves serving the Lord together through the music ministry at their church. Sarah and her husband Josh wish to lead their children to value all life through lenses of compassion and grace.
Leading is an amazing privilege and she feels very honored to serve her community with excellence while living out her purpose. “ Serving God, my family, and this community brings so much joy and fulfillment to my life. I feel that I am walking out my passion and calling in life to be a voice and serve as an advocate for all those pursuing recovery.”says Sarah.
Sarah has a strong desire for perceptions to change regarding addiction/recovery and to empower those struggling, to step into their own calling as she feels that those in recovery are the heroes of our day.
Sarah’s Life’s verse: Galatians 2:20. Favorite quote: “People even more than things have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” – Audrey Hephburn
Alecia Cates
Director of Programs
A Lincolnton native and a graduate of the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill, Alecia’s academic journey led her to a double major in Political Science and African/African American Studies.
Over the course of her sixteen years with UMAR, she ascended the ranks and contributed significantly to the organization’s management. Her roles included residential Counselor, Residential Coordinator, Program Manager, Assistant Director, and CO-Director.
Alecia is a dog lover and her passion for a well-rounded life shines through in her hobbies- she relishes spending time with family and friends, playing pool, bowling, swimming, and seeking tropical destinations. She joined Safe Harbor’s staff in February 2022 and has exhibited unwavering leadership since.
Alecia’s motto, inspired by Maya Angelou, encapsulates her approach to life: “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.”