BY BTL STAFF
Shyam Suchak FERNDALE – After a short search to fill the position, Affirmations recently added to its senior staff – promoting one staff member and hiring another.
The search to fill the director of operations position started in June just before the U.S. Supreme Court Decision. Shyam Suchak, communications graduate from the University of Toledo with an M.A. in organizational leadership from Lourdes University, joins Affirmations as the new director of operations.
"Shyam represents one of my most significant hires since joining the organization," stated Affirmations' Executive Director Darrious D. Hilmon. "He is not only well-qualified to take the center's operation and HR function to the next level, he's kind-hearted and cares deeply about others."
As director of operations Suchak will serve as the center's internal leader, overseeing the day-to-day operations and human resources functions including training, development, performance evaluation and recruiting.
Previously, Shyam served as director of community programs, operations, and organizational development at Anne Grady Services, providing leadership to three departments with approximately 150 employees.
Formally known as program coordinator for the youth services department, Lilianna Reyes has been promoted to youth program manager and assumes lead accountability for youth programming at the center including the Carl Rippberger Youth Drop-In Center and the newly erected XTL (Cross the Line) Youth Workforce Development Program and the XTL Youth Leadership Development Program.
"Lilianna is a force of nature, and the perfect blend of talent and passion," stated Hilmon. "Her work developing and implementing outcomes — driven, transformational programs — makes her an invaluable member of my team."
A graduate of the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School, Reyes has measureable experience working with marginalized populations including people of color, LGBTQ communities and HIV positive communities. She serves on the Board of The Trans Sistas of Color Project.
