The head of the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is now stepping down.

In a release, President and CEO of the area United Way Michael Larson says that after serving as head of the Battle Creek United way from 1999 to 2009, head of the Kalamazoo United Way from 2009-2012, and then guiding the organizations as they merged together, he feels it’s personally time for him to move on.

Larson also oversaw the creation of a new vision for the United Way, focusing on addressing economic and racial disparities, the health of familes and children, and creating a safety net for the needy.

Executive Vice President and COO Chris Sargent will serve as Interim CEO while the organization conducts a search for a new head, with Larson staying on in a “strategic advisory role” til the end of the year to help the transition.

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