Urban Resource Institute Appoints Wayne Brown as Vice President of Safety and Security 

NEW YORK, NY (April 15, 2025) – Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading advocate for homeless families, proudly announces the appointment of Wayne Brown as Vice President of Safety and Security.

With an extensive background in law enforcement and public safety, Brown brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, including service with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (New York) and various New Jersey law enforcement agencies. His deep expertise in investigations, emergency response, and global security will be pivotal as URI advances its commitment to creating safe, trauma-informed environments for clients and staff across all facilities.

Most recently, Brown served as Associate Director of Regional Security and Global Investigations at Gilead Sciences and as Director of Investigations and Public Safety at the National Police Defense Foundation. In these roles, he led complex security operations, managed international investigations, and developed strategic safety initiatives designed to protect vulnerable populations and high-risk environments.

As Vice President of Safety and Security, Brown will oversee a comprehensive restructuring of URI’s safety and security function across. Brown will lead all aspects of security personnel management, scheduling, recruitment, employee relations, vendor partnerships, training, emergency response, and the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures.

“Wayne brings an unmatched depth of experience in public safety, investigations, and strategic leadership,” said Beverly Riddick, Chief Operations Officer at URI. “His appointment reflects URI’s deep commitment to safety as a core component of our trauma-informed model. We are confident Wayne will lead this transition with integrity and vision, reinforcing safe environments for our residents, participants, staff, and communities.”

Brown holds a Master of Science in Administrative Science with a concentration in Leadership and a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University. His leadership philosophy is rooted in proactive risk management, continuous training, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

Wayne Brown’s appointment marks a significant step in URI’s evolution as a provider of safe, secure, and healing spaces, underscoring the organization’s unwavering focus on holistic care and operational excellence.

About Urban Resource Institute
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a pioneering organization that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families by empowering individuals, families, and communities to break free from cycles of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma. As the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading advocate for homeless services, Urban Resource Institute (URI) supports thousands each year through holistic, trauma-informed programs. These include prevention, intervention, education, and comprehensive services offered across residential and non-residential settings in New York City. URI is recognized as a thought-leader with influence across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit www.urinyc.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

For immediate assistance, please call NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.