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Nancy J. Cotterman
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DATE: June 26, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Board of County Commissioners
PHONE: 954-357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
The Broward County Sexual Assault Treatment Center is now officially named the Nancy J. Cotterman Center, honoring Ms. Cotterman’s years of dedicated public service.
“It is only right that someone who does such special work on this earth be remembered,” said Commissioner Lois Wexler. “Nothing gives me more honor than to do something so that she will be remembered forever.”
Cotterman was a leader for more than decade at Broward County's Sexual Assault Treatment Center (SATC). She was known as a dedicated advocate for helping those in need, especially children and sexual abuse victims.
“I worked with Nancy Cotterman on a national program called “A Child is Missing.” She was known nationally as an incredible victims' rights advocate. It is fitting that her legacy lives on right here in her home town,” said Commissioner Ilene Lieberman.
Cotterman was section manager at the SATC located on Fourth Street in Fort Lauderdale. The SATC assists victims of sexual assault and child abuse. Cotterman received numerous awards for her excellent work over the years, including the 2011 Broward Victim’s Rights Coalition’s Janita Lee Award for Victim Assistance.
Members of the public, who knew Cotterman, told commissioners today that she touched people’s lives in a number of ways.
“Nancy Cotterman gave her life to this county; she was more than just an employee. My daughter and my family’s life were saved by her and the work at the SATC,” lobbyist Ron Book told the Commission.
“Nancy Cotterman was a fearless leader. An unsung hero, a mentor and a friend,” said someone who identified herself as “Tabatha” and explained her experience at the treatment center. “I walked in a victim and left as a victor, because of Nancy’s guidance, wisdom, strength and intelligence.”
“She was a role model at the county, state and national level. She had compassion and empathy and volunteered much of her time to assist crime victims,” Bridgette Snyderman told Commissioners.
Cotterman passed away on June 3 after a yearlong illness; she was 58 years old. Today, commissioners waived a Broward County Administrative Code that imposes a 90-day waiting period prior to naming buildings after people who have died.
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