Announcing Safe Harbor's New CEO

Safe Harbor Voice  |  November 13, 2022
Announcing Safe Harbor's New CEO

Safe Harbor's Board of Directors and staff are excited to announce our new CEO, Danny Varat, who will join us in our work to influence a culture where all people feel safe and valued in their relationships.

“Danny’s background in small business, state government, and non-profits makes him uniquely positioned to take Safe Harbor into the next chapter of growth, financially and in delivery of service,” said Safe Harbor’s Board President, Jennifer Gosnell.

About his new role at the organization, Danny shared, "I am honored and excited to join the team at Safe Harbor. The dedicated professionals here provide essential care and support to people in times of crisis, and I look forward to devoting my energy to expanding our reach and impact. Safe Harbor enjoys a long history of service to survivors of domestic abuse, and I am extremely thankful for this opportunity to help do even more for our clients and our community."

Danny is a Greenville native with decades of executive experience in the small business, state government, and non-profit sectors. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of A Child's Haven. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi and has taught at the college level.  Danny  has served on the South Carolina State Board of Education, as Chairman of the South Carolina BabyNet Board, on the Greenville County First Steps Board, and currently serves on the South Carolina State University Board of Trustees. 

Danny  is married to Gina Silver Varat, also a Greenville native and 30-year professional educator. Their daughter, Mary Earl, is a high school senior. 

Welcome to Safe Harbor, Danny!

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because...

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.

I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.

Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”

- Beth

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When you give to Safe Harbor, 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic abuse in the Upstate of South Carolina. 

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We are available to provide domestic abuse education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns.

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Safe Harbor Resale Shop operates solely on donations from our generous community. Donations are tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of our clients.  

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Your donated furniture can support our clients as they transition out of our programs and start a new life, and can also raise money for Safe Harbor by going to our Resale Shop to be re-sold.

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