SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Operation Underground Railroad (“O.U.R.”), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, today announced that Tammy Lee has been appointed to serve as O.U.R.’s chief executive officer, effective February 26, 2024. Ms. Lee is an experienced executive who is deeply committed to the fight against human trafficking.
Tammy Lee joins O.U.R. from Xena Therapies, a med tech company that develops innovative solutions for women’s health and orthopedics and provides philanthropic support for women’s health-related causes. Prior to founding Xena Therapies, she was President & CEO of Recombinetics, a bio tech company focused on human health, regenerative medicine and animal welfare.
Having previously served in senior corporate affairs roles for Carlson, the University of Minnesota Foundation, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, Ms. Lee has extensive experience in building influential coalitions for policy change and spearheading multi-million-dollar fundraising and grantmaking campaigns for philanthropic and corporate ventures, including for trafficking prevention.
Ms. Lee also served on the White House Interagency Task Force to Combat Trafficking in Persons and other national boards that advocate for ending trafficking. Recognized as a subject matter expert, she has been a frequent speaker on corporate philanthropy and best-in-class programs for anti-trafficking initiatives.
“On behalf of the entire board, I am thrilled to welcome Tammy to O.U.R,” said Chairman Sean Vassilaros. “Installing O.U.R.’s new CEO is a significant milestone on our path of transformation. Tammy’s passion for the mission and subject matter expertise, coupled with her impressive track record of experience as an organization builder, make her the ideal leader to steer O.U.R. into the future and rebuild the trust of the anti-trafficking community."
Tammy Lee stated, “I am honored to serve as O.U.R.’s CEO and grateful for the trust the board has placed in me to lead the organization into its next stage of growth and development. As CEO, my near-term priorities include advancing O.U.R.’s work as a premier leader in the fight against human trafficking and broadening our base of donors and funding partners to double down on our commitment to providing aftercare programs for the survivors we help rescue. We aspire to become the North Star of compassionate, comprehensive care for survivors.”
Tammy also emphasized a bold new vision for growth and impact with expansion to new cities. “We are on a mission to lead the fight against child sexual exploitation and human trafficking worldwide and will accomplish this with the support of the committed team at O.U.R in Salt Lake City and new Centers of Excellence in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C. and Miami.”
Tammy concluded, “I am honored to join the team at O.U.R. who have made it their life’s work to rescue and care for victims of human trafficking and provide a pathway to a bright new future. Together, we will accelerate our work to make a difference in the lives of those who have been exploited or trafficked. I’m confident O.U.R. best days are still ahead.”
About Operation Underground Railroad
Headquartered in Utah with plans to open satellite locations in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C. and Miami, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the fight against child sexual exploitation and human trafficking worldwide. Founded in 2013, O.U.R.’s work spans the globe and includes assisting law enforcement with a combination of boots on the ground, intelligence gathering, capacity building, and contributing hardware, specialized tools, training and manpower to law enforcement agencies. O.U.R. likewise supports aftercare to survivors in a similar fashion with a combination of boots on the ground, capacity building and contributing training and resources to local facilities. For more information, please visit OURrescue.org.
