Meet Our Team
Water safety is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health and community safety issue. Drownings and water-related injuries devastate families and erode trust in our beautiful recreational spaces. Our leadership is driven by a shared commitment to prevention, reducing preventable tragedies, and promoting healthy, safe activity.
Our CEO
and Founder
Joseph W. Curtis
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Joseph W. Curtis brings nearly two decades of executive non-profit leadership and development expertise to the organization. Over his 27-year career, he has successfully raised over $62 million for five different non-profits, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to community impact and sustainable growth.
His journey began with life-saving swimming lessons in fourth grade, which provided children the opportunity to confront their fears. Growing up in Michigan, surrounded by water, Joseph recognized the importance of cultivating a community that excels outside its natural environment and fosters the courage to face challenges head-on.
Raised in a single-adult household with his mother, Joseph learned the value of resilience and determination early on. His experience living abroad in Costa Rica during college deepened his appreciation for diverse perspectives and fueled his passion for helping others build character and realize their potential.
Now, Joseph is focused on his dreams of promoting family structure, career exploration, and essential life-saving skills. He believes it is his responsibility to nurture the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the tools and support necessary to thrive.
Throughout his career—spanning impactful initiatives from West Michigan to Phoenix—Joseph has specialized in strategic fund development, board governance, and building high-impact community programs from the ground up. As a champion for diversity and equity, he has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between corporate leaders and underserved populations, launching critical initiatives for foster youth, refugees, and homeless communities.
Joseph’s passion lies in empowering the next generation to overcome socio-economic barriers and build self-sufficient, thriving futures. He hopes that through his own life experiences and triumphs, he can inspire and uplift those striving to overcome their challenges.
Board of Directors
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team at Necessary Change is comprised of devoted individuals who share a common goal: to uplift our community and support families in need. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, we work together to implement effective programs and initiatives that bring about meaningful change.
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Board Member
Board Position
[Title, Organization/Affiliation]
Looking Ahead:
3-5 Year Goals
The Future of Necessary Change; Building for Tomorrow
While our immediate work focuses on delivering critical water-safety education across West Michigan, our vision extends far into the future. Over the next 3 to 5 years, Necessary Change is committed to expanding our footprint, broadening our reach, and building lasting infrastructure that protects and empowers families for generations to come.
1
Provide 2,000+ swim lessons annually and open a dedicated aquatic training center.
2
Expand services into additional West Michigan counties (Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Kent, Oceana).
3
Launch a mobile pool program to bring swim instruction directly to underserved communities.