Sean de Four Named President and CEO of Southwest Solutions

Message from Stephanie Miller, Chair of Southwest Solutions’ Board of Directors:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m thrilled to announce that Sean de Four will serve as the next President and CEO of our organization. Sean is departing his current position as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Wellspring Lutheran Services. 

Sean will begin his role at Southwest Solutions on March 15, replacing Joe Tasse, who has served as interim CEO since October 2018. We thank Joe for his leadership to help set Southwest Solutions on an auspicious course going forward. I also want to thank the Board, our Executive Team, our DEI Council, our Board of Advisors and many community friends and supporters for their input and support in the CEO selection process. 

Sean has extensive experience in the health and human services sector that makes him well-suited for the mission and broad range of programs at Southwest Solutions. This experience includes work in behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, refugee resettlement, senior services, affordable housing, homeless services, substance abuse treatment, and more. Sean has built his distinguished career in nonprofit management and leadership upon his foundation as a licensed master social worker with both clinical and macro designations. He earned his MSW from the University of Michigan in 2001, and he has served as an adjunct instructor in its School of Social Work since 2014. 

Sean joined the executive leadership at Wellspring in 2017 after 16 years of executive-level experience at other organizations. He was promoted to COO in 2019. Wellspring is located in Flint and is one of the largest human service organizations in the state, with more than 1,100 employees and an annual budget of about $82M.

Prior to joining Wellspring, Sean was Vice President of Child & Family Services at Samaritas in Detroit for five years. Before that, he worked at Judson Center (Royal Oak), starting as a program director in 2004 and then climbing the ranks to become COO.

We are thankful that Sean’s professional journey has now brought him to Southwest Solutions. He is a proven strategic thinker and servant leader with a passionate commitment to social and economic justice. Please join me in welcoming him to our organization.

Message from Sean de Four to Southwest Solutions’ staff:

I couldn’t be more humbled and excited to join one of Southeast Michigan’s most iconic and impactful organizations.

The need for Southwest’s mission and programs has never been more critical; and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside this group of accomplished advocates, clinicians, and community development professions to create a compelling vision of the future for our organization and Detroit — which we will continue to bring to life together.

I look forward to meeting each one of you to learn what makes you passionate about the work of Southwest Solutions and how I can support you and our mission as your President and CEO.

Looking forward to the journey with you,

Sean