Safe Shelter is proud to announce the appointment of Lee Robbins as its new Chief Executive Officer.

An accomplished nonprofit leader and conflict resolution professional, Robbins brings more than a decade of experience advancing access to justice, strengthening families, and building collaborative, community-based responses to conflict. His extensive background in mediation, housing advocacy, family services, and trauma-informed leadership positions him to lead SAFE Shelter into its next chapter of service and impact throughout the Coastal Empire.

Robbins most recently served as Deputy Director of The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, where he oversaw mediation services, family law programming, and strategic community initiatives. Since joining the organization in 2012, he helped expand its reach and impact by recruiting, training, and supporting a strong network of volunteer mediators serving communities across the region.

Earlier in his career, Robbins worked as a Housing Advocate with Georgia Legal Services, supporting individuals and families facing housing instability, eviction, and legal barriers to safe housing. The experience further strengthened his commitment to serving vulnerable populations and shaped the trauma-informed, client-centered leadership style for which he is widely respected.

A Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution registered mediator, Robbins holds certifications in civil, domestic relations, specialized domestic violence, probate, and juvenile delinquency mediation. In 2020, he trained mediators across Georgia on updated rules and best practices related to domestic violence and court-referred mediation, helping strengthen the safety and effectiveness of processes serving vulnerable families statewide.

Robbins has also led the development of innovative programming, including a co-parenting and legitimation seminar for fathers that has supported more than 1,200 men in navigating the legal system, strengthening relationships with their children, and building healthier family dynamics. In addition, he has designed and facilitated de-escalation and conflict resolution trainings for judges, attorneys, healthcare providers, educators, and community leadersthroughout the region.

Through his work, Robbins has collaborated closely with community organizations, including SAFE Shelter, to support survivors of domestic violence and promote survivor-centered approaches to healing and safety.

“I’m deeply honored to step into this role at SAFE Shelter and build on the incredible work already happening,” said Robbins. “From my work in housing advocacy to mediation and family services, I’ve seen how access to safety and support can transform lives. SAFE Shelter plays a vital role in this community, and I’m excited to work alongside the team and our partners to expand that impact and ensure survivors and their families have the resources they need to heal and move forward.”

Robbins holds a Master of Social Work from Florida State University and is recognized throughout the region for his engaging leadership style, collaborative spirit, and commitment to practical, people-centered solutions that foster safety, healing, and long-term stability.

For decades, SAFE Shelter has served as a critical resource for survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout Savannah and the Coastal Empire, providing emergency shelter, advocacy, prevention education, and support services designed to empower survivors and create pathways toward safety and healing.