Youth Guidance Expands Board of Directors with New Leaders to Enhance Youth Empowerment Efforts

Youth Guidance Strengthens Leadership for Youth Empowerment

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its youth empowerment initiatives, Youth Guidance has recently welcomed four prominent professionals to its Board of Directors. This strategic addition of Heddy Gagne, Steve Grimes, Betty Larson, and Kurt Winter signals the organization’s commitment to expanding its influence and leadership during a critical period for youth across the nation.

Board Appointments Reflect Diversity and Expertise

According to Jim Mills, Chair of the Youth Guidance Board, the new members bring a wealth of experience from various sectors. Gagne, serving as Senior Vice President of People and Client Support at T-Mobile International, is renowned for her operational excellence and understanding of customer experience. Her strategic insights will undoubtedly strengthen Youth Guidance’s growth while aligning with the organization’s focus on staff and community well-being.

Steve Grimes, a Partner at Winston Strawn LLP with a background as a federal prosecutor, contributes invaluable expertise in compliance and public sector law. His extensive experience will be crucial in advancing ethical governance, establishing and maintaining organizational integrity.

Betty Larson, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Merck, has a rich history in leading global HR transformation. Her past contributions at GE HealthCare and other major companies demonstrate her capacity to foster a trauma-informed workforce that aligns with Youth Guidance's mission-driven ethos.

Completing the new board is Kurt Winter, Vice President of Marketing at Allstate. With over 25 years of experience in brand growth and community storytelling, Winter’s passion for youth development and prior involvement as board president of OMNI Youth Services resonate deeply with Youth Guidance’s vision.

A Focus on Transformative Programs

Youth Guidance already serves over 18,000 students across seven states, Washington D.C., and internationally in London. Through programs such as Becoming a Man (BAM), Working on Womanhood (WOW), and EVOLVE, the organization emphasizes mental health, academic success, and creating safer communities.

A recent op-ed by Youth Guidance CEO Michelle Morrison, alongside BAM National Director A.J. Watson, highlighted the pressing need for proactive violence prevention measures. Their article pointed to BAM’s impressive outcomes, including a 50% reduction in violent crime arrests among participants—a testament to the program’s effectiveness.

Commitment to Empowering Youth

As reported by Morrison, the current landscape demands values-driven leadership, and the addition of these four champions is expected to significantly bolster Youth Guidance’s efforts. Their experiences and heartfelt commitment will certainly help the organization enhance its national presence and expand its impact.

With the newly appointed board members, Youth Guidance is poised to deepen its dedication to addressing the needs of youth in turmoil, ultimately guiding them toward brighter futures. As a leader in the field of youth development, the organization invites community supporters to back its mission and explore more at Youth Guidance.

For further media inquiries, please contact Johnathon Briggs at [email protected] or call (312) 253-4900.

Thus, as Youth Guidance embraces this exciting new chapter, it remains focused on its core mission of fostering resilience, academic success, and empowering youth to overcome obstacles in their lives.