Haven House Family Shelter has named Anna Burnett-Tillotson as its interim executive director. Haven House Board President Oneka Washington made the announcement Monday.

“We would like to welcome Anna,” Washington said. “She had worked with Haven House for a number of years and so we knew that she was knowledgeable about many of the programs and roles that Haven House has available.”

Tillotson worked at the shelter from 2015 through 2022, first as the outreach coordinator and then as shelter program manager. She left Haven House after purchasing Staffing Solutions LTD, which she will continue running while also serving as executive director.

Washington said the board views Tillotson’s business experience as an asset for the shelter.

“We knew that with Anna owning her own business, she could help us navigate through some of the business side of the shelter as well,” Washington said.

Washington said when the board approached Tillotson about taking on the interim position, she was “ecstatic about the opportunity.”

“I am very honored and excited to be able to serve the shelter, its clients, staff and community in this capacity,” Tillotson said. “Haven House holds a special place in my heart, and I am looking forward to continuing its legacy and advancing services.”

Washington said Haven House will be celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year.

“That’s just a testament to how this agency has served this community,” she said.

Haven House Family Shelter provides an array of support through a 24-hour crisis line, safe shelter, outreach services, court advocacy, counseling, and referrals to community partners while promoting awareness and education to help break the cycle of abuse. It is a United Way agency and is also a certified shelter and an active member of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence.