Oesterlen Services For Youth, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring and imminent start of Maurice D. Ware as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Agency. Ware previously served as the Vice President of Residential Services at The Buckeye Ranch, a mental health services provider for children and families in Columbus, Ohio. Ware succeeds Donald L. Warner who served as the Executive Director for 21 years.
“On behalf of the Oesterlen Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Maurice Ware to our agency as the next CEO,” said David Runk, Oesterlen Board President. “Mr. Ware’s vision and strategic plan will position Oesterlen for growth while continuing to provide the highest level of care to our clients. The Board of Directors and Search Committee, after a nationwide search, is confident that Ware is the best person to lead Oesterlen as he represents the best in behavioral and mental health leadership. He will bring the knowledge and innovation the position requires to continue to support the individuals Oesterlen Serves.”
Ware has a long and successful history in the behavioral and mental health field beginning his ministry to youth and families in 1994 at Starr Commonwealth Residential treatment facility in Albion, Michigan. He brings over 17 years of behavioral and mental health experience and over seven years in executive leadership roles. Ware also served the public school sector for 12 years in various leadership roles. He has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from Northwood University.
“I entered the behavioral health field because I wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives,” said Ware. “This work of providing hope and healing to individuals has become my passion and mission. I am looking forward to leading Oesterlen to the next level and strengthening our continuum of services so we can continue our 119-year legacy of providing empowering programming to children, youth, and families for the next 119 years. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Board, Oesterlen team, and the children, youth, and individuals we serve.”
The CEO search process was led by Oesterlen Board Search Committee Chair, Dr. Mary Jo Zembar, and a search committee composed of board representatives and an Oesterlen staff member. The search committee was assisted by Gronlund Sayther Brunkow, a consulting firm that specializes in fundraising and executive search for non-profit organizations. Ware will officially begin in his new role on Monday, April 25, 2022.