Children’s Advocacy Center Welcomes Jennifer Hunt as New President/CEO
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County is excited to welcome Jennifer “Jen” Hunt as its new President/CEO.
Jen joined the Center in early August, bringing more than 22 years of leadership experience in state government and with some of the nation’s most recognized nonprofit organizations. Her background in public policy, advocacy, community development, health and human services will help guide the Center as it continues its vital work on behalf of children and families in Kent County.
“We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Hunt as President/CEO,” said Lance Werner, Executive Director of Kent District Library and Board President at the Center. “She brings a wonderful mix of state and national experience as well as crucial public policy, advocacy and community development skills to the Center at a time when it’s needed the most. We are excited to see where she leads the organization.”
A career centered on mission and community
Jen most recently served as a State Administrative Manager with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where she led a team of 12 professionals overseeing government funding and compliance for the state’s 16 area agencies on aging.
Previously, she served as Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan and spent nearly 14 years with the American Cancer Society, leading community development and government relations.
For Jen, joining the Children’s Advocacy Center represents an opportunity to bring those experiences to a mission that deeply matters.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been a mission-focused servant leader who believes in placing the mission at the center of all decisions,” Jen said. “I believe my experience working in health and human services, aging, public health, and the nonprofit sector has prepared me for this next mission of leading the Center.”
Jen holds a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Affairs from Central Michigan University. She is a 2019 Brilliance Award – Champion of Service winner. Presented by West Michigan Woman Magazine, this award highlighted her dedication to work in the nonprofit sector.
Building on a strong foundation
Jen has already begun connecting with Center staff, community partners, volunteers and supporters. As she settles into her new role, she’ll also benefit from the experience and guidance of Interim CEO Ellen Zoellner, who will assist with the transition over the next few months.
Ellen, a longtime nonprofit fundraiser and executive in West Michigan, stepped in to provide steady leadership during an important year for the Center.
“Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County has been incredibly fortunate to have Ellen Zoellner at the helm this past year,” Werner said. “Ellen was a calm and steady leader who walked alongside our amazing team to continue driving the mission forward. We are grateful for her service and her commitment to helping Jen succeed.”
As this new chapter begins, the Center is grateful for the staff, partners, volunteers, donors and community members who make its work possible every day.
Please join us in welcoming Jen to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County. We look forward to introducing her to even more members of our community in the months ahead—and to all that we will accomplish together for children and families.
If a child tells you they’ve been abused, it is critical to listen carefully, stay calm, and never blame the child. Thank the child for telling you, reassure them of your support, and let them know that you believe them.
Immediately following your conversation, it is imperative to file a report.
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Starting body safety conversations early on with children can help prevent child abuse and promote healthy relationships. Learn more here.
Building Trust.
We bring together under one roof all the resources a sexually abused child might need, so they don’t have to repeat their story to multiple people in multiple places. Learn more.
Inspiring Hope.
The Center offers a variety of support services to help children and their caregivers in their journey to recovery. Learn more.
Empowering Community.
We teach K-4 students age-appropriate tools to protect themselves from sexual abuse, and empower them to report current or past abuse. Learn more.
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