Mike Bertrand is the newly appointed executive director of Hesed House, a homeless shelter in Aurora. He expressed his interest in the position as soon as it became available earlier this year. As the former president and CEO of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Bertrand earned recognition for reversing financial deficits and increasing a budget from $25 million to over $50 million.
At 61, Bertrand is a licensed clinical social worker with a deep desire to work directly in the community again. His familiarity with Hesed House extends beyond his professional experience. Living in Aurora for 30 years, Bertrand previously worked as a child protection investigator with the Department of Children and Family Services. During that time, he often relied on Hesed House for families in urgent need of shelter.
Bertrand is set to assume his leadership role on October 19. He succeeds Joe Jackson, who resigned last spring, and interim executive director Ryan Dowd, who praised Bertrand for sharing the values of dignity and support for vulnerable populations. Bertrand acknowledged the challenges of the role, especially amid federal funding cuts affecting economically vulnerable people.
Bertrand discussed how community perceptions of homelessness are evolving, thanks in part to the pandemic and opioid crisis. He pointed to the shelter’s 7,500 volunteers who have firsthand encounters with clients and shift stigmas by recognizing unhoused individuals as neighbors in need.
Issues such as the closure of local crisis intervention programs accentuate the need for adaptable approaches. Bertrand stressed the importance of being agile to prevent homelessness. His excitement about the role is clear as he prepares to address these significant duties.
Bertrand’s personal connection to Aurora continues with his wife, Sue, who heads the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. Together, they have raised three daughters and are committed to contributing to the local community.
Julie Proscia, Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Bertrand, noting his blend of personal commitment and leadership experience which will benefit those served by Hesed House.