June 22, 2009

LANSING - The Children's Trust Fund board of directors has named Michael D. Foley of Howell as its new executive director, effective July 6. Foley will be the fourth executive director in the fund's 27-year history.

The CTF, an independent state agency administered through Michigan Department of Human Services, is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect through public awareness campaigns, training and technical assistance, and funding community-based child abuse prevention programs.

As executive director, Foley will: manage Lansing-based staff; work with the appointed board of directors, local councils and grant recipients; represent the state with national children's organizations; conduct and develop relationships with current and future donors; and oversee all administrative functions of the nonprofit organization administered through the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Foley is currently vice president for special projects and outreach for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation; he has served in that position since its inception in 2005. Previously, he served as deputy director of child welfare services for the State Court Administrative Office and statewide manager of Michigan's Foster Care Review Program. He also served 15 years as the executive director of Children's Charter of the Courts of Michigan, a statewide child advocacy organization.

Foley has been Michigan's state leader for Healthy Families America, an initiative to help communities develop high quality services for families with children age 0-5. He has managed several state-level child and family initiatives including Lt. Gov. Connie Binsfeld's Commission on Adoption Issues and a two-year Michigan State Bar Association initiative on children in the courts.

Children's Trust Fund Board Chairwoman Nancy Moody said: "The board was delighted with the caliber of candidates who applied for the executive director position. From among a stellar group in the final interview round, Mike emerged as the hands-down choice.

"His background in children's services, fund-raising, legislative and board work, as well as his existing relationships with many of the local councils working with Children's Trust Fund, give the board confidence Mike will be an excellent leader to take services to prevent child abuse and neglect to the next level."

"I am honored to be selected as CTF executive director," said Foley. "I look forward to working with the board, staff and our community partners to strengthen the programs and services that support families in communities throughout Michigan because, when we provide meaningful and appropriate family support services, our children will thrive and will realize their fullest potential."

Foley is married to Ann Routt, deputy director of Legal Services of South Central Michigan; they have two daughters, Maura and Emma.

For more information, please visit the CTF Web site www.michigan.gov/ctf.