Less than two weeks ago, friends, colleagues, fans and even clients of Todd Gustafson were gathered over cocktails and appetizers at the Inn at Harbor Shores to give the Kinexus boss a big send-off to his new role in Grand Rapids with LeadStar. An emotional Gustafson thanked everyone profusely and it really hit home that he was leaving a job that he dearly loved. Today comes word, in an unexpected turnabout, that he's not leaving after all, and will continue as Chief Executive Officer for the non-profit organization in downtown Benton Harbor.
Christopher Randall is Board Chair for Kinexus. He says that upon conclusion of the search to find a replacement for Gustafson, "an opportunity arose" that has resulted in the ability to retain Gustafson's leadership in the CEO role. It's unclear if the board asked him to stay, or if he had a change of heart and asked to be retained.
Randall says, "We knew we had great candidates before us, each bringing something different to the table. The board committee deliberated and unanimously decided that Todd would continue to lead the organization." Randall adds, "We are excited that he will be staying in Southwest Michigan and continue to lead Kinexus in the years to come."
A parade of well-wishers sang Gustafson's praises at the Thursday night gathering at the Inn at Harbor Shores, and even some unannounced but prospective candidates for his job were in the room. Gustafson is in Lansing all day today with meetings and has been unable to return correspondence to further clarify circumstances surrounding his retention. Nevertheless, his Customer Engagement Manager, Mary Morphey, did share a quote from him, wherein he says, "I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the team at Kinexus and the community. We've accomplished a lot as an organization over the last 10 years. The team, which includes the board of directors and the staff, is very talented and passionate about making systemic and sustainable impact, and I am proud to continue that effort."
Gustafson led the transformation of Kinexus and its Michigan Works! component into a preeminent community asset integrating workforce, economic and community development. His guidance and leadership led Kinexus to national recognition for its talented staff, innovative initiatives and entrepreneurial approach.
In the waning days of October, Gustafson had informed the Kinexus team that he would be going to LeadStar this month, but now he's sticking around in Michigan's Great Southwest.
Kinexus is located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor.
