FFTA Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors Leadership for 2024

FFTA is proud to announce the newly elected leadership of its Board of Directors for 2024. The FFTA board is comprised of esteemed leaders in the field of health and human services from FFTA member organizations across North America. The board recently elected peers who will lead the governance of the association and support the FFTA staff team in executing on its strategic vision cast by the board, across 8 Areas of Focus.

FFTA’s 8 Areas of Focus:

-Equity in Child Welfare and Mental Health Systems

-Supporting Families Within Their Communities

-Community-Driven Policy and Engagement

-Leading for Today and Tomorrow

-Cross-Sector Partnerships and Beyond

-Embracing Local Innovation

-Proven Solutions in Direct Practice

-Workplace Wellness

The newly elected board leadership includes:

-Chairperson: Dr. Amy Strickler, Sr. Director of Quality Assurance & Contracts, Texas Family Care Network

-Vice Chairperson: Erin Keltner, MSW, LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Services, KVC West Virginia

-Strategy & Foresight Committee-Chairperson: Renee Brown, LPC, CSAC, President & CEO, DePaul Community Resources

-Board Development Committee-Chairperson: Louis E. GrowMiller, MSW, LSW, Senior Director-Program Operations & Innovation, Turning Points for Children

-Fund Development Committee-Chairperson: Dr. Christina Vela, DPP, Chief Executive Officer, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children

-Council of Chapter Chairpersons-Chairperson: Melinda Waterman, MA, State Manager, Blueprints

-Immediate Past President: Dr. Mechele Shipman, MSSW, LICSW, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer, Anu Family Services, Inc.

Dr. Amy Strickler, newly elected Chairperson, expressed her gratitude for the leadership of Immediate Past President Dr. Mechele Shipman, stating, "Dr. Shipman's dedication and vision have been instrumental in guiding FFTA to where it is today. I am honored to follow in her footsteps and lead alongside this dynamic group in continuing to advance FFTA's mission."

Ryan Dowis, Executive Director of FFTA, praised the new board leadership, saying, "We are fortunate to have such a diverse and talented group of leaders governing FFTA. Their extensive expertise and dedication to improving the lives of families and communities, along with those that serve families, will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the sector across North America."

Under the new board leadership and Executive Director Ryan Dowis, FFTA looks forward to advancing its vision of more communities, where those who support families feel supported, and all are thriving.

To learn more about the entire FFTA Board of Directors, visit https://www.ffta.org/page/Board_of_Directors.

Family Focused Treatment Association

Phone: (201) 343-2246

Email: FFTA@ffta.org

Website: www.ffta.org

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