Farhat named executive director at Napa’s Monarch Justice Center

Napa’s Monarch Justice Center announced that Michele Farhat will be its new executive director effective October 15.

Former Executive Director Shea Hunter has completed her 18-month contract and will be joining Monarch’s board of directors, said a news release.

Farhat joined the Monarch team at the start of 2024 as the Center’s development director. She holds an extensive leadership career in Napa’s nonprofit community that includes serving as the chief development officer for Aldea’s Children and Family Services as well as the deputy director and board vice president of Mentis Napa’s Center for Mental Health, said the release.
Monarch’s center provides free, centralized services to survivors of human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Napa County.
Monarch moved its Center on September 1 from First Street in Downtown Napa to its new, expanded location at 5 Financial Plaza, Suites 200 and 205 at the intersection of Soscol and Trancas.
“Through Shea’s leadership, Monarch has grown into our community’s critical, collaborative center for victims of crimes”, said Board President Kim Phinney.

“From overseeing a major move into a new building twice the size of our previous home to welcoming new partners under our umbrella of services, we simply would not be where we are today without Shea and the foundation she has laid for Michele as the torch is passed.”

Board Vice President Ed Matovcik called Farhat a leader deeply invested in the health of our community. “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Michele’s strength and compassion to take the reins and lead the coordination of these critical services for our most vulnerable community members.”