Michigan abortion rights leader to join Children’s Center in Detroit

Nicole Wells Stallworth on Wednesday was named CEO of the Detroit-based Children’s Center, a nonprofit centered on improving the lives of children and families. 

Stallworth, executive director for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and vice president for public affairs for Planned Parenthood of Michigan, will start her new position on July 10. 

Liz Agius, Children’s Center board chair, is “thrilled” to have Stallworth. 

“Her expertise in nonprofit management, issue advocacy, behavioral health, child welfare, public education, legislative and government affairs, communications, and philanthropy make her extremely well-qualified for this role,” said Agius. 

Stallworth played a prominent role in several abortion rights efforts in Michigan, including Proposal 3 of 2022, which codified the right to abortion in the Michigan Constitution. 

“As a long-time advocate for The Children’s Center, I am honored to join as the new president & CEO. This affords me an exciting opportunity to translate my passion, experience, and expertise into an effort to help children and families shape their own futures and life outcomes in meaningful and impactful ways,” said Stallworth.

Stallworth previously served the agency as director of government and community affairs from 2011 to 2014.

“We are experiencing a time in history when the intersections between access to high-quality clinical and behavioral healthcare for children and youth and healthy communities could not be more evident. Children’s behavioral healthcare is a public health imperative,” Stallworth added.