A letter from our Board President
Dear Friends of Child and Family Services,
I am writing to share that after 25 years of dedicated service, our Executive Director, Gina Aranki, has announced her plans to retire in 2026. Gina has led CFS with compassion, steadiness, and deep commitment. Under her leadership, the agency has grown stronger, expanded its reach, and earned the trust of families and community partners across Northern Michigan. Her thoughtful guidance has
carried CFS through both challenges and seasons of growth, leaving the organization well positioned for the future.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our gratitude for Gina’s years of leadership and devotion to the mission of Child and Family Services. She has been a trusted voice in our community and a strong advocate for the people we serve. The strength and direction of CFS today reflect her leadership and the foundation she has helped to build.
As Gina prepares for retirement, the Board has begun a proactive and thoughtful transition process to ensure continuity for our staff, our programs, the families we serve, and our community partners. We are engaging an experienced external facilitator to work with staff and leadership as we prepare for this change. Our goal is to have a new Executive Director in place by March 2026, with Gina remaining in an active transition role from March through as late as November 2026, based on the needs of the agency and the incoming Executive Director.
Child and Family Services continues to be in a strong position, supported by committed staff, thoughtful leadership, and an engaged Board. Gina’s continued involvement during this transition will help maintain consistency and support the next leader’s success. We will keep you informed as this process moves forward.
Thank you for your ongoing trust and support of Child and Family Services. With the foundation Gina has built and the shared commitment of our team and community, we are confident in a strong and seamless transition.
Warmly,
Kaylee Simerson
Board President
A Letter From Gina
Dear Friends:
It is with profound gratitude and some sadness that I share along with Kaylee my plan to retire in 2026. My gratitude is for the life-changing opportunity I have had to be part of the leadership team of Child and Family Services (CFS) for the past 25 years; I’m also sad to be leaving the good work and extraordinary people who do it. I will miss it all. But it’s time to say goodbye while the mind and body are still working well (relatively) to do some other things. That part is exciting to contemplate!
CFS is in a great place—clinically, financially, administratively, and community reputation. These are all standards by which we measure a respected, successful nonprofit organization. We have gifted, committed, experienced board and staff. We are preparing for another 3-year CARF accreditation review in March 2026, assuring our stakeholders of our commitment to best practices across our organization. We have responded in smart, healthy ways to the uncertainties of our environment. We have some money in the bank. And most importantly, we continue to walk alongside children, adults, and families as they navigate life’s challenges, helping them access resources and their own strengths to heal and grow. I’m so proud of all people here and the roles they play in advancing the mission and vision of CFS in the community and our region. The Board of Directors has begun a thoughtful transition process, and I look forward to helping in every way I can to assure a smooth succession.
I’m so grateful to each of you for the ways you have helped CFS, our team, our clients, and me personally to thrive even amidst complicated, challenging work. Our community is the better for all your efforts, and I know you will help take this fine organization into its next chapter. We say YES to CFS!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Gina
Honor Gina’s Legacy With a Gift to CFS
As Gina Aranki prepares to retire after 25 years of extraordinary leadership, we invite you to celebrate her dedication with a gift to Child & Family Services.
Your donation will help continue the work Gina has championed—providing safety, support, and hope to children, youth, adults, and families across Northern Michigan.
To give in Gina’s honor:
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Online: Select the “In Honor of” option to designate your gift.
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By Check: Send to
Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan
3785 Veterans Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
(Please note “In honor of Gina Aranki.”)
Thank you for celebrating her remarkable legacy with us.