Our Staff provides a welcoming and supportive space for family members of murder victims to be heard, to connect with other murder victim family members who oppose the death penalty, and to more effectively raise their voices to advocate for victim family member needs – needs shared by victims/survivors regardless of their views on capital punishment. Our Staff includes victims/survivors of violence and persons with extensive training and experience in working with persons who have experienced sudden, traumatic loss.
Scott Bass, Executive Director
Raleigh, North Carolina
Scott Bass was named Executive Director of MVFR in June 2012 after seven months as Interim Executive Director. Prior to that time, he served as MVFR’s North Carolina Coordinator. He is a North Carolina native and lifelong resident of the state who currently lives in Raleigh. His experience includes working as a therapist with individuals and families who have experienced traumatic loss as well as advocacy in faith-based and other settings. He has worked closely with family members of murder victims and family members of persons on death row. He was active for several years in North Carolina’s efforts toward reform and ultimate repeal of the death penalty. A priority for Scott is finding common ground with victims/survivors and their advocates regardless of views on capital punishment so that they can work together to address needs and interests broadly shared by victims. He is a passionate advocate for victims and for restorative justice. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina.
Marcelle Clowes, Executive Assistant & Member Engagement Coordinator
Raleigh, North Carolina
Marcelle Clowes joined MVFR as Administrative/Program Assistant in October 2011 after volunteering generously for MVFR for several months. Her skills have served MVFR well and led to an expansion of her duties to include assisting the Executive Director with executive and program activities, sharing staff responsibilities for North Carolina program work and assisting nationally with communications and other key roles. A native of the Toronto, Canada area, she has lived in North Carolina for the past 11 years. Her previous work experience includes working as an emergency veterinary technician, and as an administrative assistant for the Correctional Law Project for Queen’s University Law School and for Legal Aid Ontario. This mother of 11-year-old twins is also a talented visual artist.
Horace Knight Jr., Delaware Coordinator
New Castle, Delaware
Horace Knight, Jr. joined MVFR in November 2012 as the Delaware Coordinator. Horace, a native of Burlington, New Jersey, brings an array of personal and professional skills that enable him to provide members with support while advocating for the needs of family members following murder. Recently he served as the Marketing Director on a political campaign where he was able to create many relationships that enhance his work in Delaware. He has worked in the Human Services field for more than 10 years compiling experience that includes working as a Behavioral Assistant/Consultant, a Case Manager working with high school students who self- identified as teenage parents and most recently, a case manager for the state of Delaware working with Developmentally Disabled Individuals. Horace received his B.S. in Business (Marketing) from the Richard Stockton College of NJ. Horace studies photography and champions social media technology for personal enrichment.
Catherine Smith, Development Director
Cheverly, Maryland
Catherine Smith joined MVFR as its Post Abolition Development Director in March of 2012 and became Development Director in March 2013. She brings a wide range of communication experience to MVFR’s work including the design and execution of marketing and strategic communications, production of publications, and broad fundraising activities. Catherine’s skills in developing relationships and communication strategies are a valuable asset to MVFR as we expand our work in states that have already abolished the death penalty. Catherine has a B.A. in English from Carnegie Mellon University, studied filmmaking and photography in London and has undertaken professional development in organizational development and leadership. In her free time she loves theater and storytelling.