MAP Executive Director, Kathy Maitland to Retire this Fall
Immediate Release
Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) Executive Director, Kathy Maitland to Retire this Fall
(Dearborn Heights, MI) – Michigan Abolitionist Project in partnership with Vista Maria is pleased to announce the retirement of its Executive Director, Kathy Maitland. Kathy Maitland has faithfully developed and led the organization for more than nine years and now is ready to guide the process to identify a successor. Following the search and selection process, Kathy will set her sights on a well-deserved retirement and spending more time with her family and travel.
Vista Maria and the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) formed a strategic alliance to strengthen their antihuman trafficking efforts by way of expanding awareness, improving training, and advocating on behalf of trafficking survivors. Maitland and the Board of Directors identified the successful selection of the future Executive Director of Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) as a key priority in 2021 and 2022.
The strategic alliance between Vista Maria and MAP has delivered great social impact. Maitland states that, “Ultimately we created a strategy that helped us better achieve our goals and objectives. MAP has already grown on its own yet now we have set a strategic position setting the stage for sustained progress.”
CEO and Co-founder for Center for Justice, Rights & Dignity, former MAP board president and now Vista Maria board advisor, E. Christopher Johnson, Jr. said, “MAP’s development has continued to flourish under Kathy’s leadership … Now we have the task of finding a new Executive Director, I won’t even pretend to say we are going to replace Kathy because she is irreplaceable.” He continued in his announcement to the board of directors, “Due to Kathy’s many accomplishments during her remarkable tenure, our new Executive Director will have a wonderful opportunity to build on and capitalize on all of Kathy’s outstanding work. This is also an exciting opportunity for Vista Maria to bring in new leadership and new ideas.”
Maitland will be part of the selection committee for MAP’s successor and states “I have had the privilege of working to help fulfill the mission. In this time, the organization has accomplished more than I could have imagined. I am proud to have helped MAP become a trusted force for good in the anti-trafficking movement. My staff will continue in their roles, supporting community groups, building our presence across Michigan, providing training, and increasing advocacy efforts and support for human trafficking survivors. The staff, our partners and our network of volunteers are the heart and foundation of MAP, and this important work continues on.”
Although retiring from her role as Executive Director in September of this year, Maitland will remain active as a Commissioner on the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission and will continue to advocate for victims and heroic survivors across the state.
About Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP):
Our Mission: We are growing the movement of people and organizations working to prevent and end human trafficking in Michigan and beyond.
Our Focus: We aim to educate, engage and eradicate human trafficking.
About Vista Maria:
Our Mission: We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.
Our Vision: All children, families and communities achieve success through continuous learning and relationships that promote personal, professional and family well-being.
Visit www.vistamaria.org for additional information.