Lena Wilson has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing child welfare and family well-being. She currently serves as President and CEO of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, where she leads a continuum of programs designed to support youth and families through healing, stability, and growth.
Throughout her career, Ms. Wilson has served in a wide range of leadership roles across the child welfare system. She began her journey as a youth specialist in a small residential setting, an experience that grounded her lifelong commitment to children facing adversity. She went on to serve as Program Manager for foster care services, Administrator of the Salvation Army Denby Center, an 85-bed residential treatment program, and Executive Director of Lutheran Adoption Service, the largest nonprofit adoption agency in Michigan. Before joining Vista, Ms. Wilson was Vice President of Samaritas’ statewide Child and Family division, overseeing a diverse portfolio of programs that strengthened families across Michigan.
Guided by the principle to “always look back and extend a hand as you move forward,” Ms. Wilson is passionate about empowering at-risk children and families to reach their fullest potential. As she often shares, “Kids facing trauma and neglect need safety and strong support to heal. These kids are ours, the child sitting next to yours in class, or the neighbor down the street. When we lift up one child, we strengthen our entire community.”
In addition to her leadership at Vista, Ms. Wilson plays a vital role in shaping systemic change. She serves on several local, state, and national boards and committees, including the California Alliance of Children and Families, the Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services (ACRC), the Association of Community Human Service Agencies where she chairs the Residential Committee, and the Full Circle Health Network. She is also an active member of the Building Bridges Leaders of Color Initiative and consults with peer organizations on elevating youth voice and choice in residential care.
A native of Michigan, Ms. Wilson earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy. Beyond her professional life, she treasures her role as mother to two daughters: Maya, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business, and Olivia, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Health at San Diego State University.