Experienced nonprofit and public-sector leader brings a passion for mission, advocacy, and community to the Center.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County has welcomed Jennifer “Jen” Hunt as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Hunt joined the Center in early August, bringing more than 22 years of leadership experience in state government and with some of the nation’s most recognized nonprofit organizations. Her background in public policy, advocacy, community development, health and human services will help guide the Center as it continues its vital work on behalf of children and families in Kent County.
“We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Hunt as President/CEO,” said Lance Werner, Executive Director of Kent District Library and Board President at the Center. “She brings a wonderful mix of state and national experience as well as crucial public policy, advocacy, and community development skills to the Center at a time when it’s needed the most. We are excited to see where she leads the organization.”
Hunt most recently served as a State Administrative Manager with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where she led a team of 12 professionals overseeing government funding and compliance for the state’s 16 area agencies on aging.
Previously, she served as Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan and spent nearly 14 years with the American Cancer Society, leading community development and government relations.
For Hunt, joining the Children’s Advocacy Center represents an opportunity to bring those experiences to a mission that deeply matters.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been a mission-focused servant leader who believes in placing the mission at the center of all decisions,” said Hunt, who holds a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Affairs from Central Michigan University. “I believe my experience working in health and human services, aging, public health, and the nonprofit sector has prepared me for this next mission of leading the Center.”
Hunt has already begun connecting with Center staff, community partners, volunteers, and supporters. As she settles into her new role, she’ll also benefit from the experience and guidance of Interim CEO Ellen Zoellner, who will assist with the transition over the next few months.
Zoellner, a longtime nonprofit fundraiser and executive in West Michigan, stepped in to provide steady leadership during an important year for the Center.
“Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County has been incredibly fortunate to have Ellen Zoellner at the helm this past year,” Werner said. “Ellen was a calm and steady leader who walked alongside our amazing team to continue driving the mission forward. We are grateful for her service and her commitment to helping Jen succeed.”
Learn more at Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Photo courtesy of Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County.