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Darts welcomes new president with strong Dakota County ties
Darts, a Dakota County nonprofit that provides social services for adults 55 and older, appointed the fifth president in its 51-year history this week.
Mike Lavin stepped into the role of president on Monday, adding West St. Paul to the list of Dakota County communities he's served.
'It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead an organization with such deep roots in the community,' Lavin said in a news release from the nonprofit. 'I am committed to continuing to build on the mission and values of DARTS as we maintain our dedication to older adults and caregivers.'
Prior to his appointment at Darts, Lavin spent some 30 years with YMCA of Greater St. Paul and YMCA of the North, taking on roles including senior director of childcare, vice president of operations and senior vice president of product growth, according to LinkedIn.
Lavin also served as executive director for YMCA locations in Eagan and Hastings, where he helped to establish youth sports leagues.
During his tenure with the Y, Lavin also helped create ForeverWell, a program that offers group exercise classes and social events for older adults. The program is now offered at YMCAs nationwide, according to the release.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and current Hastings resident, Lavin first began with Darts as a volunteer. He and his wife, Laurie Lavin, spent the last 10 years doing volunteer yardwork for the nonprofit.
For the past 10 years, Darts was led by Ann Bailey.
Also a former Wisconsinite, Bailey learned of Darts in 2002 when her father was struggling with Alzheimer's disease.
A unique trajectory, Bailey went from a caregiver receiving Darts services to a financial donor, then board member before being appointed president in June 2015.
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Under her leadership, the nonprofit introduced new programs and served thousands as it expanded its services to all of Dakota County and now includes southern Washington County and southern Ramsey County.
In a recent conversation with the Pioneer Press, Bailey shared her hopes for her successor.
'A lot of times people say, 'Who will fill your shoes?' I don't want them to fill it. I want them to pick up the pair next to mine and walk their own path.'
Bailey will officially retire from the organization July 1.
'With a deep commitment to values and purpose-driven leadership, the board and I are confident that Mike is a good fit for Darts and Darts is a good fit for Mike,' Michele Engdahl, chair of the board of directors, said in the release. 'We look forward to him continuing the legacy of excellence that Ann has built.'
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