- Matthew Ivan
Steven Locke Appointed DNMM's New President/CEO
Steven Locke has been named president and CEO of Disability Network of Mid-Michigan (DNMM).
“We conducted a nationwide search with candidates applying from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Nevada, California and Alaska. It was truly interesting to find out that the person who was far and away the best candidate for the position was right under our noses the whole time. We were blown away by his interview and it is evident that he is ready to step up and be our leader for the future. We couldn’t be more pleased,” said Norm Donker, DNMM’s president of the board of directors.
“As DNMM’s new president/CEO and as a person with two hidden disabilities, I am honored and excited to continue building our partnerships throughout mid-Michigan as we engage in the important work of the independent living movement. People with disabilities are not problems to be solved; it’s the barriers to full participation in society that we seek to remove. With our mission as our bedrock and our vision as our guiding star, we will continue to be champions of creating fully inclusive and accessible communities for all people with disabilities,” Locke said.
Locke graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University. For the past 10 years, he has served as DNMM’s associate director and more recently as the interim executive director, a key leadership role in the development and expansion of DNMM’s programs, operations and agency oversight.
In 2011, Locke was appointed to the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council by Gov. Jennifer Granholm for a three-year term. In 2014, he was reappointed to the council by Gov. Rick Snyder to a second three-year term.
With offices located in Midland, Saginaw and Bay City, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan serves 12 counties and is one of 14 consumer-controlled centers for independent living in Michigan.
DNMM’s mission is to promote and encourage independence for all people with disabilities. The organization seeks to foster environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can contribute to their communities based on their own interests, skills and desires. Through a variety of services including advocacy, skill building, information and referral and support services, DNMM provides assistance to people with disabilities, their families and the community.
Upon announcement of Locke’s appointment, the staff gave resounding applause and a standing ovation. One staffer noted, “Steven is the type of leader who inspires us to do better for our consumers, our community and each other.”