Join us in congratulating Haley Patterson as Red Oak Hope's new executive director

Dear friend,

We are thrilled to announce that Haley Patterson has been selected as Red Oak Hope’s next Executive Director, effective January 2025.

Haley has been an integral part of the team for the past eight years, initially serving as the Stateside Director for our International Programs, helping to establish the first board of directors, and building foundational relationships with local donors and community partners. In 2018, she launched Red Oak's Austin-based programs focusing on transitional housing, crisis intervention and stabilization services, disability support, and educational and vocational training for adult survivors of sexual exploitation. Haley has an M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.

We’re so thankful for our dedicated Board of Directors, under the leadership of our current board chair, Kathy Smith-Willman, as they’ve helped the organization through this season of transition. Kathy shared, “As we began to look for our next leader, it became clear that Haley should be that leader. She has been key in building and guiding the organization through growth internationally, and she has built the Austin program from the ground up. Haley's heart and passion to serve the mission of Red Oak Hope, her energy, expertise and her collaborative approach will take the organization into the future on a solid foundation as we pursue freedom, hope and restoration for survivors of sexual exploitation."

“It is a profound privilege to lead this creative and restorative work alongside my team and our community partners to serve individuals who have experienced sexual exploitation. I am grateful for the journey that has brought us to where we are today as an organization, and I wholeheartedly believe we are headed into a future of significant flourishing as we strategically and holistically impact Austin, bearing witness and chasing joy along the way. ”

Haley Patterson

In 2024, under Haley’s leadership, the Austin program increased the number of clients served by 50% and provided 1,777 nights of safe shelter, physical and behavioral health supports, counseling, and legal assistance, as well as economic and educational training opportunities. This comprehensive, holistic approach helps survivors of trafficking heal, stabilize, and remain free from re-victimization. 

For those who don’t know her personally yet, Haley is an actual Austinite and enjoys living in this beautiful city with her husband, Brian, and their two kiddos. She studied theater and dance at the University of Texas as an undergraduate and continues to love the Austin theatre scene.

As we look ahead to an exciting future, we remain committed to Red Oak Hope’s long-standing mission to bring freedom, hope, and restoration to survivors of sexual exploitation. Thank you for being on this journey with us. 

For freedom,