Fort Worth – After more than two decades at the helm, Ken Shetter announced his resignation as chief executive of One Safe Place, the city’s leading family‑justice center. Shetter stepped down on Oct. 5, citing health concerns and the recent birth of his first grandchild.
Transition and interim leadership
Joel Glenn, the current chair of the organization’s board, will serve as interim CEO while the nonprofit conducts a search for a permanent successor. The Report was unable to interview Glenn before publication.
Legacy of growth and stability
Since its founding in 2005 as the Safe City Commission, One Safe Place has expanded from a handful of trailers to a 67,000‑square‑foot facility known as the Linda Claire Morris building. In 2025 the center recorded 32,561 client visits, 1,281 intakes and 4,068 referrals to partner agencies, reflecting its central role in providing safety and support for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related family services.
“The programs are in the best shape they’ve ever been, the finances are in the best shape they’ve ever been, and there are lots of exciting things on the horizon,” Shetter said. He added that updating the organization’s bylaws and creating a C‑suite leadership structure over the past year positioned One Safe Place for continued success.
Community impact
The nonprofit’s 1100 Hemphill St. campus houses more than 25 partner agencies, including Unbound Now, Families to Freedom, Hagar’s Heart and The Ladder Alliance. Michelle Morgan, chief operating officer, expressed sadness at Shetter’s departure but affirmed the team’s commitment to the mission.
“We are committed to continuing the valuable work here in our community, and that commitment is shared by our board chairman,” Morgan said. “I’m hopeful we will navigate this transition smoothly.”
Beyond One Safe Place
In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Shetter served as mayor of Burleson from 2014 to 2020, bringing decades of public‑service experience to the role.
One Safe Place remains a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s effort to protect survivors and strengthen families, and the organization looks forward to building on the solid foundation laid by its longtime leader.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
