Locke Named Executive Director of Statewide Independent Living Council

Disability Network Mid-Michigan Executive Director, Steven Locke has been named as Executive Director for the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC).

SILC began its search for a new Executive Director in August 2018 when previous ED, Mr. Rodney Craig, transitioned into a role with a different organization. SILC received over 130 applications and conducted three rounds of interviews. Past chair, Sara Grivetti, said about the interview process, "I trusted the process. And I'm happy to see that [the final] candidates were selected from the independent living program in Michigan."

Council member, Mairead Warner commented that, "Steve had a way of explaining his whole vision and then breaking down the pieces of how it can be accomplished."

SILC Chairperson, Robin Bennett, agreed, "Both Council and Consumers in Michigan have hope for what Michigan's independent living landscape will look like in the years ahead; Mr. Locke has shown this Council that he is up to the task of creating action from our shared vision."

A graduate of Saginaw Valley State University with a major in psychology, Mr. Locke began a lifetime of experience working with vulnerable and diverse populations with the Saginaw Housing Commission. After several years with the city of Saginaw, he began serving the disability community at Disability Network Mid-Michigan, first as Associate Director, working his way to Executive Director in 2016. Mr. Steven Locke brings his knowledge of the independent living field in Michigan, both as a CIL director and as a former SILC Council member; appointed by Gov. Granholm and Gov. Snyder, respectfully.

For more information or to review the current state plan for independent living visit the SILC website at www.misilc.org.

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