About Forged in the Fire: Lorain County Anti Trafficking Nonprofit

Tracy Springford is a nationally recognized victim advocate specializing in crisis intervention for survivors of sexual assault and commercial sex trafficking. She brings more than 15 years of direct service experience in anti-human trafficking work, including over a decade serving in California.

Tracy currently serves as the designated Victim Advocate for the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, where she actively participates in statewide sting operations, search warrants, and arrest operations — providing immediate, trauma-informed advocacy to victims during law enforcement actions.

She has conducted extensive community outreach and professional training for businesses, schools, law enforcement agencies, and public and private organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and is a Certified Victim Advocate through the National Advocate Credentialing Program, with more than 500 hours of specialized training in trauma response, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Tracy is recognized as an expert court witness, frequently testifying on the psychological, social, and community impacts of human trafficking.

Brian Salsbury serves as Vice President of Operations and Secretary of the Board at Forged in the Fire, combining his background in technology, entrepreneurship, and legal studies with a commitment to protecting vulnerable people and supporting survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

Brian helps build the systems that support the organization's mission—from developing policies and procedures to strengthening its website, digital outreach, and podcast production. His work focuses on giving the team practical tools and a strong operational foundation to expand its reach and serve its community.

Brian holds a bachelor's degree in legal studies and is continuing his legal education at Purdue Global Law School. He hopes to serve as the organization's in-house legal counsel after completing his education and meeting the requirements for admission to practice.

For Brian, this work is deeply personal. Working alongside his mother, Tracy Preston Springford, he shares a commitment to protecting children, ending exploitation, and helping survivors find safety, opportunity, and a path forward.

Leanna Long serves as Director of Programming at Forged in the Fire, bringing extensive training and experience in hospital advocacy, crisis-hotline intervention, direct field advocacy, and trauma-informed leadership. As a certified advocate, she combines professional expertise, compassion, and lived experience with a deep respect for each survivor's dignity, choices, and individual needs.

In her role, Leanna helps build and develop the organization's advocacy team while overseeing programs and services for victims and survivors. Her work focuses on ensuring that every program reflects Forged in the Fire's commitment to survivor-centered, trauma-informed care.

Leanna understands the courage it takes to seek support and the importance of meeting people where they are. She is dedicated to creating programs that help survivors find safety, access meaningful support, and pursue healing and growth on their own terms.