By WKTV Staff
To begin 2021, local non-profit Alternatives in Motion welcomed a new Board of Directors president, Michael Pratt, who, according to supplied material, has spent his career working in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector, first at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University and, now, working as senior associate at Ktisis Capital.
According to AIM’s mission statement, it is “an organization that strives to develop, sustain, and enhance independence for persons with disabilities, diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the center of our work. Disability affects people of all races, ethnicities, religions, languages, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, political affiliations, and gender identities.”
Pratt also serves as a co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism committee of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids. Through both his career and volunteering, Pratt considers himself “fortunate to work for and with organizations that advance justice and equity.”
Pratt has served on the AIM Board of Directors for three years. In fall of 2018, he was looking for more ways to give back to the community and became aware of AIM after meeting Coleen Davis, executive director of AIM, at an Association of Fundraising Professionals of West Michigan’s annual National Philanthropy Day event.
After talking with Davis about the organization, Pratt was attracted to AIM’s mission and innovative model, “which converted a sustainability problem into health and independence solution for persons with disabilities, especially those facing inequities stemming from systemic issues and biases in our healthcare system.”
Pratt’s prior experience with AIM includes grant writing, serving as vice president of the board, co-chairing the Demonstrating Impact Committee, and co-chairing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
“AIM has an amazing leader in Coleen and a wonderful team of staff, board members, and committee members,” Pratt said in supplied material. “My plan is to show up, listen deeply to their perspectives, ask good/driving questions, and support them in the amazing work they are already doing.”
Pratt takes over the board leadership roll from Hugh Randle, who served in the roll for the last three years.
“We’re truly blessed to have him (Randle) as a friend, advocate, fearless leader, mentor, and visionary,” according to the AIM announcement. “He kept us focused throughout the challenges we faced throughout 2020, empowering us to reach and exceed our organizational goals. It is with great respect that we thank Hugh for all his time, talents, and treasures.”
Randle will continue to remain a member of AIM’s Marketing, Outreach, Development, and Education (MODE) Committee.
Alternatives in Motion is located near the intersection of 28th Avenue and Breton Road, near the City of Kentwood border. For more information visit alternativesinmotion.org.
