Mutual Ground CEO Michelle Meyer to depart in 2023
After 12 years leading the organization, Mutual Ground CEO Michelle Meyer has announced plans to depart the organization early next year. The Aurora-based nonprofit provides support for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use.
Meyer has provided steadfast leadership in the role of CEO and will leave a lasting legacy on the organization and the communities that Mutual Ground serves.
As part of its succession planning process, the board of directors has hired Kittleman & Associates, a national search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for nonprofits, to lead the search for Meyer's replacement. Kittleman recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector including family services agencies, among others.
They will partner with the board to conduct a national search and ensure a smooth transition for donors, partners and supporters.
"On behalf of the board of directors, we are intensely grateful for Michelle's leadership over the last 12 years," said Andi Danis, board president. "She has tirelessly advocated for the most vulnerable people in our communities and led the organization through significant growth over the past few years. We will miss her and wish her all the best in this next chapter."
Highlights of Meyer's tenure in leading Mutual Ground and its employees, donors and volunteers include:
• Growing the operating budget from $1.9 million to $5.6 million during her tenure, and establishing a reserve that will sustain the organization into the future. Staffing grew from 40 to 70 employees and several satellite campuses were opened, increasing our ability to better serve our communities.
• Establishing a racial equity initiative to ensure that all clients and staff feel welcomed and valued as unique individuals.
• Acquiring Breaking Free, a substance use disorder agency, and applying a trauma-informed approach to substance use treatment as part of Mutual Ground's programming, all while navigating a global pandemic.
"My passion for this organization has fueled me for almost two decades," Meyer said. "Serving this community, working with the staff and board of directors, and fiercely advocating for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence and substance use, has been the highlight of my career. I am so proud of the accomplishments we've made as a team to move the organization forward. What this job has showed me again and again is the power of this community."
Kittleman & Associates and the Board are beginning their preliminary work together to launch the search for a new CEO. For inquiries related to the search, contact Megan Lewis at mlewis@kittlemansearch.com.
Founded in 1962 in Chicago, Kittleman & Associates is a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities and philanthropic organizations. Kittleman recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector including human services, advocacy, healthcare and foundations, among others. It has offices in Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia and Boston. For more information, visit www.kittlemansearch.com.
Mutual Ground's mission is to empower individuals, families and communities to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and the harms of substance use through education, awareness and life-changing services. For more information about Mutual Ground, visit mutualground.org.