Fort Wayne United executive director selected
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Mayor Tom Henry on Thursday announced the new executive director of Fort Wayne United will be Michael Patton.
Patton, who began his new role last month, has several decades of leadership experience, Henry’s office said, including serving as the diversity compliance inclusion officer for the city of South Bend.
Patton previously served as president and CEO of the Urban League of South Bend/St. Joseph County, president of the South Bend Branch of the NAACP, and also held roles with the Foundation of Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, and WorkOne of Northern Indiana in South Bend.
“I’ve gotten to know Michael and appreciate his passion for people and a commitment to helping Fort Wayne residents grow and succeed,” Henry said in a news release. “Fort Wayne United has become a national model that continues to make a lasting and meaningful difference for individuals and families in our community. I’m confident that Michael will be able to take our efforts to the next level.”
Patton succeeds Iric Headley, who stepped down last year to take a position with Surack Enterprises. Headley continues to serve as co-chair of the Fort Wayne United Steering Committee.
Fort Wayne United is an initiative to “enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help create a safer city” for everyone but specifically Black men and boys.
“Fort Wayne United’s vision is for every Black male in Fort Wayne to be respected and valued with an opportunity to reach their full potential,” the city said in a release. “The mission is to implement practices and programs to ensure that Black men and boys reach their full potential, neighborhoods are safe and hopeful, and leaders are empowered to build a more racially inclusive community.”
Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Bethel University and an executive master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of Notre Dame.