As of a March 28 Affirmations board of directors meeting, it was confirmed that Executive Director Susan Erspamer resigned from her position without notice. Her official statement of resignation was read publicly at the meeting by Interim President Mike Flores.
"It is with mixed emotions I announce my resignation from Affirmations. After over two years of dedicated work I am pleased at Affirmations' many accomplishments and successes including a new vision, a new mission, a strategic plan, a rebranding and ending 2017 with a surplus," the statement said. "I wish nothing but the best for Affirmations now and in the future."
The announcement followed with an allotted public commentary period in which community members were able to pose questions about the board's next steps in addition to regular comments. The board provided no comment about public questions asked at the March 28 meeting, and promised that answers will be provided in a town hall meeting to be held sometime in April.
In Erspamer's stead, Affirmations' program director Lilianna Reyes will be taking over as the interim executive director.
"As the first Transgender Latina to lead an LGBTQ+ organization in Michigan, I'm honored to accept the Interim Executive Director role. I welcome this challenging transition with open arms," she wrote via email announcement. "I look forward to working with the community to make a stronger Affirmations. As we near International Transgender Day of Visibility, join me at Spring Bash on Saturday, April 14th, as we celebrate community!"
Affirmations Executive Director Susan Erspamer Resigns
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