FERNDALE – In less than two months of searching, Affirmations' Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Susan Erspamer as its next executive director. Previous executive director, Darrious Hilmon, announced his departure in October.
"We are thrilled that Susan will be joining Affirmations. She has the breadth and depth of experience that Affirmations needs in its next leader. We are also reassured by her proven track record of growing organizations over time," says Frank Aiello, president of the Affirmations board of directors.
Erspamer is a Michigan native with 21 years of executive experience in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Before joining Affirmations, she was the vice president of chapter programs at Alzheimer's Association – Greater Michigan Chapter, which has a $5 million budget and 65 employees.
During her tenure there, she was instrumental in chapter strategic planning, reorganization, diversification of revenue streams, and outcome-based programs that spanned the state covering 60 counties, seven regional offices and the chapter headquarters in Southfield. She also managed grant funding implementation and relationships, established new collaborations and created a highly productive and team-oriented work environment.
"It is rewarding to be able to bring my professional experience to benefit a community in which I identify and feel so passionate about," says Erspamer. "I am very excited for this opportunity to lead Affirmations into a future where its professional team will grow revenue in support of Affirmations' mission; enhance and grow programs that will support the diverse community; and increase public awareness and recognition of Affirmations as the premier 'go to' organization for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and cultures."
