Ozone House is pleased to announce the appointment of Kellie Rutledge, LMSW (she/her), as its full-time Executive Director. Kellie’s selection comes after a thorough and extensive search process conducted by the Ozone House Board of Directors. Having served as the Interim Executive Director since this past October, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of Ozone House’s mission and values.
“We are thrilled to officially appoint Kellie Rutledge as our new Executive Director,” said Lee Meadows Board Chair of Ozone House. “Throughout her tenure as Interim Executive Director, Kellie has shown remarkable dedication and expertise in advocating for and supporting young people in need. We have full confidence in her ability to lead Ozone House forward and continue our vital work in the community.”
Rutledge’s deep commitment to Ozone House’s mission is evident in her work and leadership. In her short time as the interim Executive Director, she has already played an instrumental role in advancing the organization’s programs and services during a time of transition, ensuring that young people have access to safe housing, counseling, and comprehensive support during their time of crisis.
“I am honored to be appointed as the permanent Executive Director of Ozone House,” said Kellie Rutledge. “I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that Ozone House has on the lives of young people, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners to further strengthen our services and reach more youth in need.”
GET TO KNOW KELLIE Q&A
Tell us a little bit about your background and what you were doing to before joining Ozone House.
I received my undergraduate degree (BA) from the University of Michigan, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Later, I received my Master of Social Work degree from The University of Toledo. I’ve worked in various sectors of the human services field, including domestic violence, foster care, substance use prevention, and behavioral health. Prior to coming to Ozone House, I was working a Monroe Community Mental Health Authority where I had served in various roles, including as a case manager for children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED), as program supervisor for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and then as the adult services program director, overseeing our programs and services adults with severe and persistent mental illness, co-occurring disorders, clubhouse, and diversion/re-entry programs. I have also been an adjunct instructor for The University of Toledo in the College of Health and Human Services School of Social Justice where I taught Intro to Social Welfare.
When you’re not leading the organization, what do you do for fun and to recharge outside of the office?
When I’m not working, I’m most often spending time with my family. I have 2 children (Elsie, 11 and Evan, 5) who keep us busy with sports and activities. When the weather is nice, we enjoy going to the lake, kayaking, hiking, geocaching, camping, and adventuring in general. I also like to watch stand-up comedy, when we’re not watching kids’ shows, of course!
What makes you passionate about Ozone House’s mission supporting young people experiencing homelessness and other serious crises?
Young people are our future. It’s really as simple as that. Here at Ozone, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people, providing a place where they are truly safe, supported, celebrated, and loved. The young folks we serve are the definition of resilient and we can learn a lot from them. I’ve worked with young people in various capacities and settings and there is just something special about Ozone House and our approach that really excites and energizes me.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about the team here at Ozone House that inspires you?
This team is incredibly committed to serving young people and ensuring the best possible outcome for each young person that comes into contact with us. I am continually in awe at the passion, support, and care our staff provide our clients and to each other. Our team is more like a family and when you know everyone is committed and working toward the same goals, really beautiful things happen.
How have you seen the community support young people and Ozone House in the time you have been here?
It’s really special working for an agency that is so revered and supported by the community in which we serve. I’ve seen the community respond in a number of ways since coming to the agency in July 2022, from the Board of Commissioners approval for the 2-year Safety Net funding for us last fall, to volunteers serving Thanksgiving Dinner for our residents at Miller House (Transitional Living Program) or supporting with last minute holiday gifts and needs for our clients. I’ve also personally have been supported during my onboarding and transition time, from former, current, and new Board Members, our dedicated donors, former staff, other area leaders, and volunteers – it’s really been incredible.
Are there any new projects or initiatives that you are looking forward to at Ozone House?
As Ozone House is coming into this new season, we are beginning to work on a Strategic Plan to chart the course for the next 3 years. We have a dedicated 12-member Board of Directors that is committed to enhancing and expanding our programs and services. We are also continuing to deepen our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work and will be embedding strategies throughout our agency to counteract oppression. Ozone House is leaning into creative approaches for hiring, retention, and employee wellness. As these things come into alignment, we will ultimately be able to expand our capacity to serve more young people in Washtenaw County and the surrounding areas.