Board Leadership Spotlight: Ken Fettig, Board Treasurer

Youth Solutions is guided by a Board of Directors who bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for Michigan’s youth. One of those leaders is Ken Fettig, whose passion for education, collaboration, and long-term impact helps strengthen Youth Solutions’ strategy and expand its reach.

Ken was introduced to Youth Solutions by a trusted colleague who recognized their shared commitment to expanding career and educational opportunities for young people. From the beginning, it was the leadership and vision of Executive Director Roger Curtis that stood out most and convinced Ken he wanted to be part of the organization’s work. 

“I was immediately impressed by Roger— his passion and level of ambition were contagious,” Ken shares. “When someone has big goals for their impact on youth and Michigan’s economy, I want to be involved.”

Ken believes Youth Solutions’ mission is especially important as opportunity gaps continue to affect young people across Michigan. Through his work at Saginaw Valley State University, he helps make higher education more accessible and affordable while supporting students as they persist toward graduation. That experience gives him a firsthand understanding of how life-changing educational opportunities can be and why those opportunities need to begin long before students reach college. 

“I see every day how transformative education can be,” Ken says. “But so many young people lack the awareness or guidance to even see those opportunities. That’s why this work matters, and why it has to start earlier.” 

For Ken, organizations like Youth Solutions help create those early opportunities by exposing students to careers, education, and pathways they may not have otherwise considered. 

“Youth Solutions is doing work that directly supports young people and shows measurable results,” he says. “That’s not only important for their individual success and wellbeing— it’s essential to the future of their communities.” 

One of the most meaningful aspects of serving on the Board has been seeing how Youth Solutions balances measurable outcomes with the individual stories behind the data. 

“That balance ensures we’re not just looking at numbers,” he reflects. “We’re truly understanding the people behind the programs.” 

Ken also values the opportunity to collaborate with leaders from across Michigan who bring diverse perspectives from education, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector. Those conversations strengthen the Board’s work and reinforce his commitment to helping create better outcomes for young people. 

For Ken, preparing young people for successful futures doesn’t begin with college, it begins much earlier by helping them explore possibilities, build confidence, and connect with opportunities. 

Thank you, Ken, for your leadership, perspective, and commitment to expanding opportunity for Michigan’s youth. Your dedication helps ensure that more young people are equipped to pursue education, careers, and futures filled with possibility.