Joe Whalen appointed to new HFP development position

Joe Whalen of Grand Haven has been appointed Mission Advancement Director for Humanity for Prisoners. He will be responsible for advancing the mission of HFP through fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, communications, and strategic partnerships.  The announcement was made by Executive Director Mark Hartman.

Whalen is a nonprofit executive and ministry leader with more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, finance, and strategic growth. For the past several years he has served as Director of Operations & Finance for Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry of Grand Rapids. Prior to that he served as co-founder and Executive Director of Fresh Coast Alliance of Muskegon.

Joe holds a bachelor's degree from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing an MBA in Finance at Cornerstone University. He has served on the HFP board since January 2024, chaired the HFP Development Committee, and serves on the board of Xander Community, a West Michigan non-profit supporting kids in foster care. He and his wife Kristi have 4 children and have resided in Grand Haven for the past 15 years.

Humanity for Prisoners, founded by former Grand Haven broadcaster Doug Tjapkes in 2001, has a staff of 7, who, with 2 dozen volunteers, offer one-on-one guidance, assistance and compassionate support to people in Michigan’s prison system.

For more information, contact Mark Hartman, 616 935 0075