Muskegon, MI, November 9, 2023 — Disability Network West Michigan (DNWM) hires Will Wilson as its new Chief Executive Officer. In February 2023, Wilson most recently served as Deputy Director and Interim CEO, replacing Diane Fleser, who stepped down from her position after 5 years. Wilson has been with DNWM for 14 years.
In his new role, Wilson will manage the day-to-day operations of DNWM which employs 16 and provides independent living resources for people with disabilities in a five-county area. He will have oversight of strategic planning, employment, finance, grants, partnerships, and related administrative duties. Under Will’s leadership, the organization recently completed strategic planning and development of a new mission statement that better reflects the future vision of the organization.
Wilson will oversee and implement the organization’s strategy on behalf of the board of directors, ensuring that DNWM grows the service area, and continues to work to diversify the staff and board to represent better the communities that are served. “I am blessed to lead the efforts of DNWM’s mission by building and elevating our presence and services in all our communities. Being a native of West Michigan, I’m honored to work with and serve the communities in which I come from,” said Wilson.
Lynne G. Bosma, President of the DNWM board, said Wilson is “the perfect fit to launch DNWM into the next chapter of advancing the rights of people with disabilities in the DNWM service area. Wilson is rooted in the Muskegon community and has a proven track record of building programs, securing funding, and supporting DNWM staff. We are excited to see the organization grow under his leadership.”
Wilson’s Background
Wilson brings 20 years of non-profit experience to his role, including serving 4.5 years with the US Air Force, in Security and Intelligence roles which featured two deployments to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Wilson has been with DNWM for over 14 years, most recently serving as Interim CEO for 8 months and before that the Deputy Director for 10 years. During his tenure with DNWM, he developed the robust and popular Veteran Peer Support Group and Veteran Appreciation Dinner. He is also the creator of SWAT (Simple Ways to Avoid Trouble) an anger management curriculum frequently used by Muskegon Co. Juvenile Court and local school districts.
Wilson is an active volunteer and serves on a wide range of state and local boards and advisory councils and committees, including the Trinity Health Recipient Rights Advisory Committee, Men of Color Read, United Way of the Lakeshore, Disability Network Michigan, and more.
Wilson is a proud graduate of Muskegon High School. He also holds a BA in Criminal Justice/Sociology from Michigan State University. He is finishing a Master of Justice Administration degree from Norwich University.
About Disability Network of West Michigan
Since 1999, Disability Network West Michigan has been a Muskegon-based disability center for independent living. Disability Network West Michigan provides independent living resources for people with disabilities in Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Lake, and Mason Counties. Resources include independent living mentoring and skills training, accessibility consulting and advocacy, disability peer support, and disability employment services and training for people with disabilities and local employers.
DNWM is one of 15 Centers for Independent Living in the state of Michigan. CILs are consumer-driven, community-based, disability organizations that promote independence and self-determination for people with disabilities.
DNWM’s mission is to equip, educate, and advocate for accessible communities for all. DNWM’s vision is equal access, opportunity, and belonging for all.