Grand Rapids, Mich. (August 7, 2024) – Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, announced today the hiring of Chris Palusky as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the 124-year-old community service organization. He will fill a vacancy created late last year following the resignation of previous CEO, Dennis Van Kampen.
Palusky has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector working with vulnerable communities in both domestic and global capacities. He started his career with World Relief and has held numerous international positions over the ensuing three decades, including his current role of Ukraine Crisis Response Director for World Vision. In addition to his extensive global relief agency work, Palusky also has a strong connection to the Grand Rapids area. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the President and CEO of Bethany Christian Services, a faith-based social service organization.
“I am thrilled to join the leadership team at Mel Trotter Ministries,” said Palusky. “The organization’s legacy of compassion, service, and purpose in the Grand Rapids area is second to none. Mel Trotter’s mission deeply resonates with my life’s calling to serve the most vulnerable, and it is an honor to help carry out this critical work in the community.”
Mel Trotter Ministries was founded in 1900, and has a mission of demonstrating the compassion of Jesus Christ toward anyone experiencing hunger or homelessness. The organization provides meals and shelter services to hundreds of people each day at its downtown location. Beyond that, it assists its guests with job training, housing support, medical clinics, and substance abuse recovery resources. Mel Trotter also offers prevention and diversion programs that help at-risk families avoid homelessness.
“The entire Board was extremely impressed with Chris’ experience and commitment to Christ-centered service,” said Tony Pearson, Board Chair of Mel Trotter Ministries. “Chris brings a high level of energy, innovative leadership, and heart for people living on the margins of society that will help us to best serve the growing needs in our community.”
CarterBaldwin, an international executive search firm, assisted the Mel Trotter Board in identifying and vetting candidates from across the globe.
“Finding a person with the skills needed to run a nonprofit as large as Mel Trotter Ministries can be challenging,” said Search Committee Chair, Janis Petrini. “After taking intentional steps to identify the best candidates, we voted unanimously to select Chris and are confident he is well-suited to lead the organization effectively into the future.”
Palusky’s official start date will come later in the fall.
“My family and I are excited to return home to West Michigan and feel truly blessed to be a part of this tremendous organization,” said Palusky. “I look forward to working with all of our community partners, donors, faith leaders and residents as we build a stronger future for Mel Trotter Ministries and the guests we serve.”
