Leadership Spotlight: Kevin Stotts, Board President

Youth Solutions is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who share a common goal: creating brighter futures for Michigan’s youth. Among these leaders is Board President Kevin Stotts, who plays a pivotal role in shaping our strategy and driving growth. His passion for workforce development and his belief in the potential of every young person make him an invaluable partner in our mission.

As President of TalentFirst, Kevin is reminded of Michigan’s need for a diverse and talented workforce every day. Ensuring our young people are prepared for careers that meet the future needs of employers is integral to the future success of our state.

“In a knowledge-driven economy, every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career,” he says. “That journey begins with building confidence, skills, and readiness—whether in the workforce, skilled trades, college, or military service.” 

It was Youth Solutions' measurable impact that first caught Kevin’s attention. Our flagship Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program stood out to Kevin as a powerful tool for helping young people stay on track and prepare for what comes next— particularly those who are at risk of dropping out or faced with challenges outside of the classroom. 

“Building clear pathways to career success is especially important for those facing significant barriers and at risk of not graduating,” Kevin says. “Youth Solutions has a proven ability to help students overcome these barriers and graduate prepared for employment or postsecondary education”. 

Kevin values organizations that deliver proven results—and Youth Solutions consistently does just that. Our ability to help youth overcome barriers and transition successfully into careers or further education reflects the priorities he champions in his own work.

“Few organizations demonstrate such clear and measurable impact, particularly for high school students who are often overlooked,” he says.

For Kevin, the most rewarding part of serving on our Board has been meeting the students we support and the dedicated team behind the scenes. Witnessing their resilience and determination—and knowing he plays a role in opening doors for them—has been deeply meaningful. He often speaks about the passion and professionalism of our staff, which inspires him to stay engaged and energized.

Kevin believes our mission matters now more than ever before.  As we continue to expand and launch new services that advocate for career-connected learning for all youth, he’s proud to be a part of the momentum we’re building. 

“Working alongside a group of committed Board members to support an exceptional team has been a great source of pride and purpose. My motivation comes from seeing this organization grow stronger every day.”

Thank you, Kevin, for your leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for Michigan’s youth! Your perspective and experience strengthen our organization and amplify the impact we make across the state.