Marcia “Marty” Sink, founder, president, and CEO of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire, has announced her retirement after nearly four decades of dedicated service. Since establishing the organization in 1989, Sink has tirelessly worked to advocate for the state’s most vulnerable children, particularly those affected by abuse and neglect.
Reflecting on her journey, Sink expressed gratitude for her time at CASA, stating, “It’s hard to express how grateful I am for the gift of working for CASA of NH all these years. Being a part of developing and expanding the organization has been a tremendous joy and a privilege.” She highlighted the importance of partnerships with stakeholders and the New Hampshire Judiciary, which have been crucial to CASA’s growth and success.
Transforming Child Advocacy in New Hampshire
Sink’s commitment to child advocacy began when she was a foster parent. Experiencing the challenges of the foster care system firsthand, she recognized the need for a better representation of children’s interests in court. Driven by this realization, she sought to volunteer with the Seattle-based CASA program. Upon discovering that CASA had not yet been established in New Hampshire, she took the initiative to form CASA of NH with a group of dedicated stakeholders.
Under Sink’s leadership, the organization expanded from just 10 volunteers serving two courts to a respected entity with over 600 active volunteers today. Since its inception, CASA of NH has trained more than 3,000 volunteers who have collectively advocated for over 13,000 children across all New Hampshire Circuit Courts.
Judge Susan Carbon, who has observed Sink’s impact over the years, praised her efforts, stating, “Marty Sink is a force of nature. Nearly 40 years ago, she embarked upon a challenge to the court system — to open its doors to volunteers from all walks of life to represent the best interests of children in cases of abuse and neglect.” Carbon emphasized that Sink’s work has fundamentally transformed the judicial system’s approach to serving children and families.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Sink’s influence extends beyond CASA. She has served on several state and national boards and task forces, including the National CASA Board of Directors and the New Hampshire Child Fatality Review Team, contributing to improvements in the state’s child welfare and judicial systems. Her leadership has garnered widespread respect and recognition.
Evelyn Aissa, co-chair of the CASA of NH Board of Directors, remarked on Sink’s unparalleled dedication, stating, “For nearly four decades, Marty has been a leader among leaders in New Hampshire and nationally — a tireless, audacious, and unparalleled advocate for the well-being of the most vulnerable children in our communities.” She emphasized that Sink’s vision and belief in the potential of every child have shaped CASA into one of New Hampshire’s vital non-profit organizations.
Paul Chant, another co-chair of the Board, noted the exceptional nature of CASA’s work and the impact of Sink’s leadership. He commented, “Marty’s commitment and profound love for her kids permeates CASA, from the attention and support given to the advocates and staff to the raising of substantial funds each year through donor relationships.”
As Sink prepares to step down, CASA of NH’s board of directors has formed a search committee and enlisted the national search firm Kittleman & Associates to assist in finding her successor. Sink will remain in her position until a new leader is appointed, ensuring a smooth transition for the organization’s ongoing mission to advocate for children in need.
Sink’s legacy at CASA of NH will undoubtedly continue to influence the lives of countless children in New Hampshire for years to come, as she leaves behind a robust foundation built on advocacy, compassion, and community engagement.
