Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Executive Director Cathy Kass-Aten and LBFOE Upper Michigan Foundation Director Mike Aten have announced their retirements from their respective positions.
Current LBFOE Development Director Carol Korpela will succeed Kass-Aten as the organization’s new Executive Director. Kass-Aten will replace Aten as the foundation director.
Aten brought Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly to the Copper Country in 1982. He served as executive director until 2013, then established the foundation to administer planned gifts, and build a lasting endowment.
Cass-Aten has served as executive director for the past nine years, and has guided the expansion of services into Baraga, Ontonagon and Marquette Counties. According to Kass-Aten, “It has been an honor and privilege to see the impact Little Brothers has on our elderly friends and witness the support every day from our communities. The way our volunteers, Board of Directors and donors, and dedicated staff have embraced our mission has been such an inspiration.”
Korpela brings 23 years’ experience with the organization to the top job. “I look forward to this leadership role and to transforming challenges into new opportunities. We have forty years of progressive and sustainable history to build upon. Our commitment to our elders and volunteers will continue to be reflected in Little Brothers services.”
Kass-Aten said she’s looking forward to heading the Foundation. “The organization is so special
to both Mike and I and we want Little Brothers to succeed for years to come.”
Plans are underway for a public open house to honor the Atens and their retirements on, March 18,
from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly office at 527 Hancock Street in Hancock.
