FAMILY FUTURES NAMES LEAH ORTIZ, FORMER CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER CEO, AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 21, 2026 – Family Futures, a Grand Rapids nonprofit organization that provides developmental screenings for children through age 5 and personalized support for their parents and caregivers, has hired a new Executive Director.Leah Ortiz, former Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Advocacy Center, recently joined Family Futures as their new executive director. In this role she is responsible for leadership of the staff and operations of the organization, including the Connections developmental screening and support program for children from birth through age 5, and
Healthy Families Kent County, which provides home visiting and parent/caregiver coaching.
“Leah Ortiz is a proven leader in children’s advocacy and will help Family Futures continue to expand its work and impact with children and families in West Michigan,” said Twayne Howard, Chairperson of the Family Futures Board of Directors. “Leah will build on a strong team and 40-year track record of helping children achieve their full potential.”
Prior to her role at the Children’s Advocacy Center, Ortiz was Executive Director of The Arc of Calhoun County and led a team of mental health professionals at Starr Commonwealth, which focuses on programs for children, families, schools, and communities. She is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army military police. Ortiz earned her master’s in social work from Western Michigan University and her juris doctor from Cooley Law School.
“I’ve spent my career advocating for and protecting children,” said Ortiz. “I’m thrilled to join Family Futures and support their work in ensuring the youngest in our community have the support they need to thrive.”
Family Futures was founded in 1985 as the Kent County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse. It was renamed in 2011 to better reflect the organization’s focus to prevent child abuse and neglect through developmental screening, home visiting, navigation of services and parent education.
