September 3, 2025 | Categories: About the FHC, Press Release
Kristen J. Cuhran has been named the new Executive Director of the Ypsilanti-based Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan (FHC). Founded in 1992, the nonprofit organization investigates and resolves complaints of illegal housing discrimination.
Ms. Cuhran started her fair housing career in New Orleans with post-litigation investigations of race discrimination at Denny’s restaurants. After moving back to Michigan, she volunteered with the Fair Housing Center, then known as the Fair Housing Center of Washtenaw County.
In 2005, she was invited to coordinate a short-term testing project, and in 2006, she joined the organization as the Coordinator of Investigations. Her investigative strategy led to an $82,500 settlement in a lawsuit against Ivanhoe Apartments in Ann Arbor. The suit was litigated with the US Attorney’s office in Detroit. Because of her outstanding contributions to the FHC, she was promoted to Associate Director in 2011.
According to Board President Ann Routt, “Kristen has strong ties to our partners around the state and around the country. Additionally, as technology becomes more and more important for our investigations, outreach, and fundraising, Kristen has the skills to navigate the organization into the future.”
The founding Executive Director, Pam Kisch, is retiring after over 33 years in the position. “It is time to turn the organization over to a new generation of civil rights advocates. I am proud of the work we have done, and now I am happy to stand on the sidelines and cheer them on,” said Kisch.
Pictured below: (1) Kristen J. Cuhran and (2) Pam Kisch and Kristen J. Cuhran
