Lena Wilson has worked in the field of child welfare for over 30 years, currently serving as CEO/ President of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Over the course of Ms. Wilson’s career, she has worked in various capacities within the child welfare system, including as a foster care program manager, an administrator of the Salvation Army Denby Center, an 85-bed residential treatment center and Executive Director of Lutheran Adoption Service the largest non-profit adoption agency in the state of Michigan. Prior to coming to Vista, Ms. Wilson served as the Vice President of Samaritas Child and Family division, a Michigan based statewide health and human service organization.
Lena is passionate about working with at-risk children and their families empowering them to reach their highest potential. Her initial calling to the field was as a youth specialist in a small residential setting. She grew up with the guiding principle, to always look back to see whose hand you can take as you move forward.
“I’m here to give the community everything I’ve got. Kids facing trauma and neglect need a safe place and strong support to heal. These kids are ‘ours’ – the kid who sits next to your child at school or the kid who lives down the street. With every child we support, we raise up our community.”
Lena serves on the board of directors of the Association of Community Human Service Agencies, where she chairs the residential committee. Ms. Wilson is also and currently a member of the Building Bridges Leader of Color initiative and provides consultation to other residential providers to increase the use of best practices around youth voice and choice.
Ms. Wilson is a native of Michigan and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy. She has two daughters, Maya and Olivia. Maya graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business, and Olivia is at San Diego State University pursing a bachelor’s degree in public health.
