BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - Youth Solutions, a non-profit organization committed to providing Michigan’s young people with equitable access to education and employment pathways, proudly announces the appointment of Roger Curtis as its new Executive Director. Mollie Waller, the previous Executive Director, retired on September 8, 2023, after a remarkable tenure of transformative leadership. Roger Curtis officially assumed his role on September 11, 2023, as the organization embarks on a new chapter of growth and impact.

Roger Curtis joins Youth Solutions with an extensive background in marketing and communications with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Most recently, he served as the Vice President of Public Affairs for Consumers Energy, headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, where he oversaw community affairs, corporate communications, and corporate giving functions. Before his role at Consumers Energy, Roger served as the Director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED), appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in November 2016. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening Michigan's workforce and talent development programs, including the launch of several educational initiatives.

Curtis' journey with Youth Solutions began in 2016 when he was with TED, and he played a pivotal role in supporting the growth and funding for Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG), the premier program of Youth Solutions. In 2018, he joined Youth Solutions' board of directors, serving for nearly five years. His dedication to the organization continued as he took on the role of a consultant in June before accepting his current position as Executive Director.

Curtis expressed his deep connection to Youth Solutions, stating, "I fell in love with JMG when I was with TED. The program is amazing and does such incredible work for the entire state of Michigan. Although it's youth-focused, the outcomes are what all Michiganders want to see - helping the next generation make Michigan stronger. When the opportunity to become Executive Director arose, it felt like the perfect fit. I appreciate all that Kristin Harrington [former Executive Director] and Mollie Waller did to get Youth Solutions to where it is today, and I look forward to working with the amazing Youth Solution team and our partners to build upon that success to reach more of Michigan’s youth."

As the outgoing Executive Director, Waller has left an indelible mark spearheading initiatives that have positively impacted countless young lives across Michigan. Under Waller's leadership, Youth Solutions reached a remarkable milestone, serving over 6,600 Michigan youth in a single year – a record-breaking accomplishment. Reflecting on her time at the organization, Waller stated, "It's been an honor to support the young people in Michigan on their education and employment journey. Youth Solutions is a fantastic organization, poised for growth and continued excellence. Roger Curtis brings strong leadership and expertise to the role, and I'm excited to see Youth Solutions become the premier youth organization in the state."

As Curtis assumes leadership, Youth Solutions is poised to continue its legacy of success and expand its reach to serve even more of Michigan's youth. His extensive experience in talent development and commitment to the organization's mission make him the perfect leader to guide Youth Solutions into a bright future.

The entire Youth Solutions community expresses gratitude to Mollie Waller for her outstanding leadership and dedication. Her legacy will forever inspire the organization as it enters this new and exciting phase.

About Youth Solutions, Inc.
Inspiring and connecting youth to achieve a future beyond imagination, Youth Solutions is committed to providing Michigan’s youth with motivation for an education, the experiences that prepare them for a job or career, and the tools to realize their potential. Youth Solutions has positively impacted more than 26,000+ youth ages 14 to 24 across Michigan. For more information about Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit us at ouryouthsolutions.org, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter or like us on Facebook at @ourYouthSolutions.

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