The Julian Center, a nonprofit providing counseling and other services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other life crises, has announced that Melissa Pershing will be the center’s new executive director. Pershing, who most recently was executive director of the ALS Association – Indiana Chapter, takes over for Indianapolis attorney Ann Delaney on Sept. 6, 2011. Delaney is retiring as executive director of the center.

Pershing, who received her law degree at Georgia State University College of Law, previously served as the director of public service activities for the North Carolina Bar Association, as executive director for Legal Aid of North Carolina, and director of Legal Services Alabama.