Elizabeth Carey, President & CEO of Starr Commonwealth, is presented with the 2023 Federation Member Leader in Human Services award for being an outstanding leader in the field.

Elizabeth’s career in human services has been marked with a strong focus on understanding the current needs of children and their families throughout communities in Michigan and nationally. Wherever Elizabeth leads, she does so with an exceptional focus on building capacity to promote child and family well-being, supporting the workforce, and establishing partnerships that allow the reach of the work of the organization she is serving to extend beyond its own silos.

The work that Elizabeth and her team have led to develop trauma-informed and resilience-focused communities throughout Michigan and globally has transformed not only the human services system but has engaged the educational systems at the K-12 and collegiate levels, employment agencies, and philanthropy, and is transforming communities and experiences of youth and families.

Elizabeth has been called on nationally to share her experiences in developing strategy and innovating to meet the needs of communities and has been a steadfast advocate for children throughout her career. Thank you, Elizabeth, for being a shining example of leadership and innovation in the human services field!

DeLois Leapheart, President & CEO of Adoption Option, Inc., is presented with the 2023 Federation Member Advocate of the Year award in recognition of her consistent involvement in the Federation’s advocacy efforts.

DeLois has always seized the opportunity to communicate the needs of community-based providers to influence public policy. DeLois has spent her career making connections in the community and with legislators to bring awareness to the unique needs of the individuals and families, always advocating for systemic improvements to strengthen families.

DeLois’ insight and relationship with Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet was critical in building a connection with the Senator, leading to plans for ongoing meetings to continue our advocacy on the Federation’s budget priorities.

Most recently, DeLois led a number of passionate conversations on the needs of children awaiting permanency for too lengthy of periods due to system delays, and ultimately ended up driving conversations with the MCI Superintendent’s office and the courts to allow a large group of siblings to move forward and find their forever family. DeLois consistently steps up when the Federation calls her with an advocacy request, always motivating other to take action and advocate for change. Thank you, DeLois, for your tireless advocacy and leadership!

Brian Philson, President & CEO of Highfields, Inc., is presented with the 2023 Federation Member Ambassador of the Year award for his commitment to the Federation’s core values.

Brian has always prioritized the needs of children and families even before he joined Highfields in 2006 as the director of residential services and then was promoted to President/CEO in 2008. Always with the goal of excellence in services for children, Brian has advanced Highfields’ focus on child welfare services, home-based counseling, early childhood intervention, juvenile justice issues, behavioral/mental health and family treatment.

Understanding the importance of collaboration and community relationships, Brian continuously is establishing and nurturing connections in the community—whether with other Federation members and community-based providers or with leaders in state and local government departments and legislators to draw attention to the needs of families throughout the state. In every conversation with Brian, you learn who he has talked with, who he reached out to, and who he will be talking with next—all to focus on excellence in support and service for children.

Brian’s expertise and collaborative nature is highly sought after. He has been tapped to serve in leadership positions with the State Board of Social Work, as a governor’s appointee to the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, and a member of the National Partnership for Juvenile Services. Brian has also served on the Spring Arbor Township Public Safety Board, Spring Arbor University Alumni Board, Jackson County Human Services Coordinating Alliance, and the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church Board.

Brian is often called on nationally to share experiences and expertise to advocate for families and communities. Thank you, Brian, for building relationships, collaborations, the best for children and families, and being recognized as the Federation’s Member Ambassador of the Year!