GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – The Griffins Youth Foundation’s board of directors on Monday named local attorney Kirk Morgan as the organization’s executive director-elect.

Following a sabbatical this winter and spring, Morgan will begin a year-long tutelage under the foundation’s current executive director, Lynn Rabaut, in June 2019. Rabaut, who has served in her capacity since 2006, and her husband Lou, the foundation’s first president and a longtime coach and volunteer, will then retire from a combined four decades of service to the organization in June 2020.

A recreational hockey player since early adulthood and a volunteer coach for the foundation’s Patrick Division from 2014-18, Morgan has served on the organization’s board since February 2016. He gained previous nonprofit board experience with the East Grand Rapids Friends of the Library, the Grand Rapids Youth Boxing Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House of West Michigan.

Morgan has been an attorney with the Grand Rapids firm of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge for 18 years, focusing on general corporate law and health law. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan, and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Morgan. “I love the sport of hockey and what it offers children and their families. I want everyone to know that I am deeply committed to the core values of the foundation and to its continued success and growth. I will continue to stress the importance of education, hard work and character development for our players of all ages.”

Rabaut, a former Grand Rapids city commissioner, has helped preside over tremendous growth during her 12 years working alongside foundation president Bob Kaser, who is also the Grand Rapids Griffins’ vice president of community relations and broadcasting. Programming was expanded in 2012 to include a division for 10th-through-12th-graders, enabling children to play from first grade through the conclusion of high school, while renewed emphasis was placed on the foundation’s mission to promote academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the kids it serves.

“I am thrilled to have someone of Kirk’s ability and experience step in to be the next executive director,” said Rabaut. “I am pleased to know the foundation will be in very capable hands, and I look forward to working with him during this transition.”

“Lynn and Lou Rabaut have truly been a gift to our foundation, particularly to our children, their families, and our many volunteers and contributors,” said Kaser. “They have been integral to the foundation’s leadership, operations and growth for so many years, and it has been our great fortune and privilege to work with them.

“Several months ago, after Lynn notified us of her intention to retire, our board embarked on its mission to find a new executive director, with the need for a smooth transition being a critical factor as we look toward the future. Kirk expressed his interest in the position early in the process, and after careful consideration, it became clear that his devotion to the foundation, his experience in nonprofit management and his passion for our mission set him apart. We are thrilled to welcome him to his new role and look forward to what lies ahead.”

Established in 1995, the foundation currently offers co-ed hockey for first-through-12th-graders and a girls-only division, and it supports the Grand Rapids Sled Wings sled hockey team for children and teens with physical disabilities. All programs are free, with equipment and ice time provided by the foundation. For more information, visit griffinskids.org.