(Miami, FL – Oct. 3, 2018) – The Board of Trustees for Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc. (Our Kids) announced that Michael C. Williams has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, effective immediately; erasing “interim” from his title after just over a month.
Mr. Williams had been serving as Our Kids’ Interim President and CEO following the tragic and untimely passing of former CEO George H. Sheldon. Mr. Sheldon, who joined Our Kids in June 2017, handpicked Mr. Williams to fill the then-vacant role of Chief Operating Officer back in October 2017.
“We have had the opportunity to get to know Michael first-hand for a year now; and it is clear to see why George was so set on hiring Michael last year. Michael is undoubtedly committed to protecting and advocating for all children and families – a quality that is invaluable to everyone at our agency,” said Kate Callahan, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Our Kids. “His knowledge of the child welfare system along with his professional experience make him the ideal person to lead our agency as we mourn the loss of George Sheldon, and beyond.”
Prior to joining Our Kids, Mr. Williams was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Operations for Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families where he was known as an innovator. A progressive leader, Mr. Williams has led system change efforts to meet children’s needs while simultaneously obtaining full community participation. With over 20 years of child welfare experience, Mr. Williams not only understands the intricacies of child welfare and behavioral health systems, he has a proven track record of creating culturally competent service systems that meet the needs of children and their families.
“I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead this agency as we approach the final stages of procuring a five-year lead agency contract with the Department; and look forward to building on the successes we have already seen from the implementation of our 2018-2021 Strategic Plan and furthering our goal of ensuring that all children grow up in safe, loving, nurturing, and permanent families,” concluded Mr. Williams.
About Our Kids of Miami-Dade and Monroe, Inc.:
Incorporated in 2002, Our Kids is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created in response to the need for local leadership, oversight and coordination of the foster care system. As the non-profit lead agency for community based care in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, Our Kids oversees and directs a coordinated system of care that provides crucial services to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the community. Our Kids’ mission is to create safe havens for these children and their families through adoption, foster/kindship care, and other related services.
