#USA #Milwaukee #CEO #Crisis Prevention Institute #Andee Harris

Andee Harris Takes the Helm at Crisis Prevention Institute

The Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), a global leader in training for crisis prevention and de-escalation, has announced the appointment of Andee Harris as the new Chief Executive Officer starting on August 20, 2025. This significant transition occurs as the organization prepares to build upon its solid foundation of growth and innovation established over the past sixteen years under former CEO Tony Jace.

As CPI ventures into this new chapter, Adam Reinmann and Harper Mates, both Managing Directors of Wendel and members of CPI's Board of Directors, expressed their enthusiasm for Andee's leadership. They highlighted her extensive career devoted to empowering organizations through innovation, digital transformation, and cultural development, which aligns seamlessly with CPI’s ongoing mission to create safer environments for professionals.

Harris comes with vast experience leading mission-driven organizations, particularly at the intersection of education, behavioral health, and workplace development. In her previous role as the CEO at Challenger, a company renowned for innovating salesforce training and technology, she drove growth through digital modernization and strategic initiatives. Her background also includes significant leadership positions at Sparrow, which specializes in technology-enabled mental health solutions, as well as in organizations like HighGround and RiseSmart, where the focus was on enhancing employee engagement and promoting inclusive organizational cultures.

Reflecting on her vision for CPI, Harris stated, "This is a time of tremendous opportunity for CPI. The requisite for empathy, respect, and de-escalation is more vital than ever in the environments where educators, healthcare providers, and human service professionals operate. I feel deeply connected to CPI's mission and am eager to build on the robust foundation established by Tony and the previous team. My priority will be expanding our digital capabilities while enhancing our evidence-based programs, ultimately extending our global impact."

Tony Jace, the outgoing CEO, praised Harris for her leadership potential, stating she possesses the vision, empathy, and expertise necessary to guide CPI into its next phase. "Her commitment to people-centered leadership, along with her passion for driving organizational transformation through innovation and strategic growth, makes her the perfect candidate to forward CPI's mission of creating safer environments and equipping individuals with vital tools for managing crises with dignity and respect," he affirmed.

To ensure a seamless transition, Jace will stay on in an advisory capacity for a brief period. The entire CPI team has expressed gratitude towards Tony for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to CPI's mission throughout his tenure.

About CPI

Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. (CPI) is recognized as the world’s leading provider of evidence-based training in de-escalation and crisis prevention. Since its inception in 1980, CPI has significantly impacted over 17 million professionals across various sectors–including education, healthcare, human services, and retail–by imparting essential skills to recognize and navigate challenging behaviors. CPI's programs focus on trauma-informed, person-centered training designed to foster safer workplaces and communities by equipping professionals with practical tools to manage crisis situations respectfully and compassionately. With headquarters located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, CPI reaches organizations worldwide through a network of Certified Instructors and a comprehensive train-the-trainer model ensuring sustainable impact. To learn more about CPI and its programs, please visit www.crisisprevention.com.