Crisis Prevention Institute has appointed Andee Harris as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately, according to the company. Harris replaces Tony Jace, who is retiring after 16 years leading the Milwaukee-based de-escalation training organization.
The leadership change comes as workplace violence prevention gains increased attention across industries. CPI provides training to professionals in education, healthcare and human services, with the company reporting it has trained more than 17 million professionals since 1980.
Executive background and experience
Harris brings experience leading mission-driven organizations focused on education, behavioral health and workplace development, according to CPI. She previously served as CEO of Challenger, a salesforce training and consulting company, where she led digital modernization and strategic growth initiatives.
Her earlier executive roles included positions at Sparrow, a technology-enabled mental health solutions provider, and at HighGround and RiseSmart, companies that provide employee engagement and workplace culture services, the company said.
Board perspective on appointment
“Andee’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CPI,” said Adam Reinmann and Harper Mates, managing directors with Wendel and CPI board members. The board members credited Jace with positioning CPI as a global standard in crisis prevention during his tenure.
Harris emphasized the timing of her appointment given current workplace challenges. “The need for empathy, respect, and de-escalation has never been greater in the environments where educators, healthcare workers, and human service professionals serve,” said Harris.
Transition and future direction
Jace will remain with CPI during a transition period to ensure continuity, according to the company. He praised Harris’s qualifications for the role, citing her people-centered leadership approach and experience with organizational transformation.
“Her commitment to people-centered leadership and her passion for transforming organizations through innovation and strategic growth make her the ideal leader to carry CPI’s mission forward,” said Jace.
Harris indicated plans to expand CPI’s digital capabilities and strengthen evidence-based programs while extending the organization’s global reach, according to her statement.
Company background
CPI describes itself as the world’s leading provider of evidence-based de-escalation and crisis prevention training. The organization operates through a network of certified instructors using a train-the-trainer model across education, healthcare, human services, retail and other industries.
The company’s programs focus on trauma-informed approaches designed to help staff manage crisis situations while maintaining dignity and respect, according to CPI.
