Mike Bertrand To Lead Aurora Hesed House
The former nonprofit executive is set to take over as the organization's new leader on October 19, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
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Mike Bertrand will begin his tenure as the executive director of Hesed House on October 19, 2026. He transitions into the role after the previous executive director, Joe Jackson, resigned in the spring of 2026.
Why it matters
Bertrand sought the position to prioritize direct engagement with vulnerable populations. His leadership comes as the organization prepares for potential challenges related to federal funding cuts impacting individuals facing economic instability.
Bertrand, 61, brings leadership experience from agencies with budgets reaching $50 million. He joins an organization supported by over 7,500 volunteers.
The players
Mike Bertrand
He is a licensed clinical social worker and the former president and CEO of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois.
Hesed House
This Aurora-based organization provides comprehensive support services for individuals and families facing homelessness.
Joe Jackson
He served as the executive director of Hesed House until his resignation in the spring of 2026.
Ryan Dowd
He served as the interim executive director of Hesed House following the departure of Joe Jackson.
The details
A licensed clinical social worker and former CEO of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Bertrand has lived in Aurora for 30 years. He previously managed agency partnerships and mergers while also serving as a child protection investigator for the state.
Timeline
Joe Jackson resigned as executive director in the spring of 2026.
Mike Bertrand begins his role as executive director on October 19, 2026.
Two churches launch an emergency winter shelter in November 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition to new leadership at Hesed House aligns with a sector-wide trend of securing executive expertise to navigate potential federal funding volatility. This appointment positions the organization to maintain stability amidst increasing economic instability for vulnerable populations.
Residents may see continued reliance on the organization's network of 7,500 volunteers as the leadership team navigates funding changes. The upcoming winter shelter initiative in November 2026 remains a key resource for those facing economic instability in the area.
The takeaway
Bertrand brings three decades of local residency to his new role, grounding his leadership in long-term community familiarity. His background as a clinical social worker emphasizes a shift toward service-focused management for the organization.
What happens next
Two local churches are scheduled to launch an emergency winter shelter in November 2026.
Further reading
Find more local leadership updates on the Aurora People section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
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