Affinity Leadership Resignation

January 3, 2022

Affinity Mentoring announces the resignation of Cassandra Kiger as Executive Director. She will transition out of her role in May, 2022. 

“I am choosing to view it as an incredible joy that leaving this position, this team, and this organization is so hard. I can say, without question, that this has been the greatest opportunity for personal and professional learning and growth that I have ever been offered, and that this is the best team that I have been privileged to work beside and learn from. It is with sadness and regret that I prepare to leave, but exciting things are coming as my spouse and I will be moving to Israel where I will be studying at Hebrew University of Jerusalem to obtain an MA in Human Rights and Transitional Justice.”

Affinity’s Board of Directors is conducting a search to find the new executive director [see Job Posting].

Cassandra stepped into the role of Executive Director in the height of the pandemic in May of 2020. Under her leadership, the organization launched a new Mission and Vision, developed and implemented a new 3 Year Strategic Plan, received accreditation as a BBB Charity, opened two new mentoring sites, and strengthened the infrastructure and sustainability of the organization (read more in the 2020-2021 Annual Report).

“Most importantly, I want to make abundantly clear that no single individual leads an organization. Affinity Mentoring is made up of a team of skilled, intelligent, creative, innovative humans whose time and effort each day make our work amazing, and provide desired and needed support in our community. I want to personally thank Rocio, Angela, Keyla, Monica, Holly, and Rachel, as well as our entire board of directors, for putting your trust in me, for not saying no to every crazy new idea, and for putting students, families, and their needs first and foremost in everything we do,” says Cassandra.

“The board of directors are very grateful to Cassandra for her leadership and vision to help bring Affinity Mentoring to new heights, and we wish her well in her next chapter. We will miss her work and what she has brought to Affinity. At the same time, we are confident in the ability of the staff, board members, partners, and volunteers to build upon the great successes Cassandra has helped build and we look forward to what we will accomplish next,” says John Robinson, president of Affinity’s Board of Directors.

Download the Press Release.

View the Executive Director Job Posting and Application.

Affinity Leadership Resignation

March 18, 2020

Affinity Mentoring today announces the resignation of Laura Ward as executive director. Laura’s last day will be May 22, 2020. 

“It is with both gratitude and sadness that I share this news. I have decided to step back from my work because my family commands my full attention at this time. This has been a very difficult decision but is necessary in order to best care for my family,” Laura said.

The Affinity Mentoring Board of Directors is conducting a search to find the new executive director [see Job Posting].

Laura joined Affinity Mentoring as program director in 2011 and was promoted to executive director in 2016. Under her leadership, the organization increased student-mentor-matches from 120 to nearly 300. The organization also expanded the number of schools served from one to four. The Grand Rapids Chamber named Affinity Mentoring the 2019 Non-profit of the Year at its 10th annual EPIC Awards.

“I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together. Affinity’s team of board members, staff, mentors, students, school staff and community partners have all had a significant impact in the community and on my life and career,” Laura said. “Without you, Affinity Mentoring would not be as strong and vibrant as it is.” 

“The board of directors are very grateful to Laura for her leadership and vision that helped shape Affinity Mentoring to what it is today, and we wish her well in her next chapter. We will miss the depth of her present involvement. At the same time, we are confident in the ability of the staff, board members, partners, and volunteers to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and we look forward to what we will accomplish next,” says John Robinson, president of Affinity’s Board of Directors.

Download the Press Release.

View the Executive Director Job Posting and Application.