FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FIRST IN FAMILIES OF NC NAMES KATHRYN BUNN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

February 25, 2025

DURHAM, NC - The Board of Directors of First in Families of North Carolina (FIFNC) is pleased to announce the selection of Kathryn Bunn as its new Executive Director.

Kathryn is replacing Betsy MacMichael who recently retired after many years of excellent service. Kathryn comes to FIFNC with experience as COO of a home and community-based services company she helped build to serve the citizens of NC. She started her career as a Registered Nurse and then focused on mental health. In keeping with FIFNC's commitment to customer leadership, our new Executive Director is a mother of a child with medical complexities.

In accepting this position, Kathryn said: "I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to bring my professional and personal experiences to an organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of families across North Carolina. Finding an organization like FIFNC that knows its mission, and takes action to achieve that mission daily, has given me a profound sense of fulfillment. This is more than my career, it is my purpose. I look forward to continuing the impactful work Betsy has done with FIFNC as we have redefined what it means to truly support families on their journey to self-determined wellness."

Tim Ferreira, a member of the FIFNC Board said: "The Board is incredibly thankful for Betsy's leadership in building First In Families into the statewide, respected organization that it is, and is thrilled to welcome Kathryn Bunn as the new Executive Director. The Board enthusiastically welcomes Kathryn and looks forward to the strong skills and palpable enthusiasm that Kathryn brings to strengthening and expanding FIFNC's scope and influence across North Carolina as we continue to support families statewide."

The Board of Directors of FIFNC congratulates Kathryn as she takes on this new role. We look forward to working with her to grow and expand our support to North Carolina citizens with disabilities across the State. We know that our staff, the individuals and families we support and all of our stakeholders will enjoy getting to know Kathryn. The Board appreciates the work of its Search Committee and the executive search firm of Conway & Greenwood in helping us find such an excellent individual to serve as our new Executive Director.

About First In Families of North Carolina:

First In Families has been supporting individuals and their families to meet self-defined opportunities of health throughout North Carolina since 1995. FIFNC distinguishes itself as a unique resource for many families because it is not a Medicare provider and therefore has more flexibility to tailor solutions.

The regional chapters are the pulse and front lines of the organization and are where the families start by engaging with their self-identified needs. Since the majority of people with disabilities live throughout our communities, and not in specialized environments like group homes, then it's in their individual homes and communities that their needs must be met!

Mission: FIFNC is a catalyst for individuals and families in North Carolina to meet self-determined wellness goals, by leveraging relationships and resources, and encouraging reciprocity in their communities.

Print version of this media release.