Harry Wilson Takes Lead as MCCD Executive Director
Lansing, MI – The Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency (MCCD) welcomes Harry Wilson as the agency’s Executive Director. Established in 1956, MCCD is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness of policies and systems aimed at the prevention and reduction of crime and delinquency.
Wilson comes to the position with more than 30 years of experience serving youth and communities through leadership positions in federal, state and local governments, associations and community service organizations. “I am thrilled to be joining MCCD,” says Wilson. “I am honored to return to Michigan, to work on such an accomplished team and serve the needs of youth and families in such a meaningful way.”
Wilson’s career started in Michigan, where he delivered and managed strengths-based treatment services for youth in the juvenile justice system, participated in court-led improvement initiatives, and trained hundreds of youth services workers from across the state.
Recognized as a leader in the field, Wilson was asked in 2001 to serve as the Associate Commissioner of the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Wilson led many breakthrough initiatives, including National Youth Summits, Mentoring Children with Incarcerated Parents, the Federal Mentoring Council, Homeless Youth Demonstration Programs, and the First Lady’s Helping America’s Youth Initiative. Wilson used his participation on multiple task forces and commissions, including the National Coordinating Council for Juvenile Justice and the National Network for Youth, to build collaboration across federal agencies to promote solutions that support positive youth development.
Even while leading change at the federal level, Wilson was best known for having one foot back in Michigan. Outside of work, Wilson and his wife Michele, have been active participants for many years in social justice and community service activities in Jackson, Michigan. Wilson explains, “I believe my long-standing connections to the young people and families at the community level guided my work and helped me become a more effective policy maker.”
“Harry’s commitment to improving outcomes for families and communities is exactly what we need in Michigan. His work at the local, state and federal levels prepares him well for this position,” says Frank Weichlein, president of the MCCD Board of Directors. “We couldn’t ask for a more qualified leader to advance the agency’s vision and mission.”
Harry can be contacted at:
Harry Wilson
Executive Director
Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency
1000 W. St. Joseph Ste. 400
Lansing MI 48915
(517) 482-4161 (office)
hwilson@miccd.org