House of Ruth Maryland’s Board of Directors announced that Katie Allston, LCSW-C has been chosen to serve as the agency’s new executive director, effective Feb. 16, 2026.
Allston was president and CEO of Marian House for over 18 years and brings deep knowledge of the Maryland nonprofit space and local underserved communities to her new position at House of Ruth. She succeeds Sandi Timmins, who spent 16 years in the role before retiring in December 2025.
House of Ruth will enter its 50th year in 2027, creating an opportunity for Allston to make her mark as executive director. The milestone will be marked with a look back on the progress and pioneering work the agency has done in the field of intimate partner violence (IPV) over a half-century, while setting the stage for the organization’s vision of safety, justice, and dignity in the future.
In her role as executive director, Allston will guide the creation of a strategic plan building on those 50 years of work to explore new paths to survivor healing, IPV prevention, community advocacy, and education.
“I am honored to be a part of House of Ruth Maryland’s mission to lead the fight against intimate partner violence,” Allston said. “I admire the work of this agency and its hardworking team, and I look forward not only to empowering survivors, but helping the community to understand the accessible actions each of us can take in upholding accountability to healthy love.”
House of Ruth Maryland was founded in 1977 by a coalition of women’s organizations, religious groups, service providers, and elected officials. Its goal is to offer a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence and their children. It is recognized as one of the nation’s most comprehensive domestic violence centers, with a staff of more than 90 people working to end violence against women and their children.
In FY24, House of Ruth Maryland supported more than 11,000 people, giving them access to safety, support, and healing through emergency shelter, counseling programs, legal advocacy, and community outreach initiatives. They have a 24-hour crisis hotline, a shelter, a legal clinic, and a training institute.
At Marian House, Allston tripled the organizational budget and more than doubled the staff. She adapted the organization’s operations to shifts federal funding, demonstrating fiscal flexibility while prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable population she served.
“Katie has an impeccable record of inspiring and creating organizational impact through diligence and a keen sensitivity to others’ needs, in combination with mission driven action,” said Kappie Bogart, president of House of Ruth Maryland board of directors, in a statement. “We are confident that she will bring an invigoration to how voices in the IPV space are amplified in this new chapter, while bolstering the pillars of safety, dignity and opportunity that lift House of Ruth Maryland as a place of hope and change within the IPV community.”
Martin (Marty) Lattman, member of the board of directors, will continue to serve as interim executive director, facilitating a smooth transition upon Allston’s arrival.
