Kate Semple Barta is the new executive director of WISE, a Lebanon-based nonprofit that works on behalf of people who have faced domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking.
Semple Barta, a longtime resident of the Upper Valley, was selected after the retirement of Peggy O’Neil, who led the organization for 23 years.
She has been the organization’s director of legal services and its immigration attorney since 2013, according to a press release. The WISE board of directors selected her after a search that considered both internal and external candidates, focusing on leadership experience, strategic vision, and a strong connection to WISE’s mission and survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Kate at WISE, where she
served as our legal services director for the past eight years,” O’Neil said in the announcement. “I’m thrilled for Kate and for WISE as she steps into this important role. She knows this organization, believes deeply in its mission, and brings her experience and leadership to guide WISE forward.”
Since 1971, WISE has provided crisis advocacy and support for people across 23 towns in the Upper Valley. The organization offers a 24-hour crisis line, emergency housing and housing advocacy, legal services, safety planning, groups, and in-person advocacy, among other services.
“Kate brings a thoughtful combination of experience, strategic vision, and deep
commitment to the WISE mission,” said Jenny Levy, the organization’s board chair. “She has demonstrated the ability to think creatively, build strong partnerships, and turn ideas into action. Just as importantly, Kate leads with compassion, humility, and a survivor-
centered approach, valuing collaboration and listening to others.”
Semple Barta has represented humanitarian immigrants since 2001 and has worked with WISE for 13 years. She was also an adjunct professor of immigration law at Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2025 and was deputy director of the New Hampshire Area Health Education Center from 2018 to 2023, according to the release.
“I have come to deeply admire the dedication of our staff and volunteers to WISE’s mission of ending domestic and sexual violence in the Upper Valley,” Semple Barta said in the announcement. “I am inspired daily by the meaningful difference WISE makes in the lives of thousands of people across our service area.”
More info: wiseuv.org.