The Michigan AIDS Coalition announced Monday, July 27, that the organization has hired a new chief executive officer. Helen Hicks comes to the agency with more than two decades of executive-level experience in the non-profit sector, including positions with Citizens for Better Care, Food Bank of Oakland County and the Baldwin Center.
"My professional and personal experience led me on a natural progression to my new position with the Michigan AIDS Coalition," said Hicks. "Even in these challenging economic times, there is progress to be made. My intention is to grow this agency and ultimately make life better for the community we serve."
Though the announcement was originally made in December of 2008, the Michigan AIDS Coalition was officially formed Feb. 1 when the Michigan AIDS Fund and the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project merged. The two agencies have more than 30 years combined experience in HIV/AIDS advocacy, education and outreach. MAC has a staff of 17 and a budget of $1.4 million.
Since the merger, the staff of MAC have worked on fusing the two organizations' objectives and programs, and have been on the search for a CEO.
With the hiring of Hicks, that search has ended.
MAC Chief Operating Officer Craig Covey said he is thrilled with the energy and wealth of experience Hicks brings to the agency. "There remains a tremendous need for HIV/AIDS prevention, education and outreach," said Covey. "We know that Helen will take us to the next level as the go-to agency in the state. We couldn't be more excited."
