Melissa Burns

ALPENA — The Friends Together Board of Directors announced today that Melissa Burns has been appointed as new executive director.

An experienced nonprofit leader, Melissa Burns will succeed outgoing Executive Director Judy Burns and assume responsibilities on March 20. Judy Burns will continue in the roll of founder director emeritus through the transition and continue with a dedicated agenda of representing Friends Together in this six-county region.

Melissa Burns joins the Friends Together team with more than 16 years of community outreach experience, including assisting families coping with cancer. For the previous six years, she was the regional outreach manager for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, managing teams of employees and volunteers to build awareness and provide services to a 12-county region of mid/northern Michigan. Her personal family experiences with cancer and her well-rounded professional experience support her appointment.

“Melissa Burns has great experience as a leader in nonprofit operation and will be a great fit as our new executive director,” said Friends Together Board of Directors Chairman Gary Stevens.

While at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Melissa Burns managed a large team of employees and volunteers in all aspects of food banking, covering 12 counties. She was a member of a strategic planning team, food policy councils, and community collaborative committees.

In addition, she has extensive community involvement as a board member and volunteer at Art in the Loft. She has also served on the following councils and committees: Feed the Need Committee chair; Human Services Council member; MidMichigan Health Needs Assessment Committee member; Huron Shores Food Council; and Project Connect Committee chair.

“We are excited to bring Melissa on as the new director and watch her take Friends Together to the next level in our mission to help those battling cancer,” said Dr. Kristine Spicer, board vice-chair. “Melissa will bring fresh new ideas, opportunities and energy into our organization. We are excited about the future of Friends Together and what’s in store for us moving forward.”

Melissa Burns received a bachelor’s degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University, and an associate’s degree in General Studies from Alpena Community College.