OutFront Kalamazoo names organization’s first deputy director

Kalamazoo Gazette | Advance Local Express Desk

Published April 22, 2026

KALAMAZOO, MI — OutFront Kalamazoo has promoted Michael Cleggs-Arnott to serve as the organization’s first deputy director.

In the new role, Cleggs-Arnott will provide supervisory support to programs and services teams, assist with fundraising efforts, and work to create an inclusive culture within the nonprofit.

The promotion recognizes Cleggs-Arnott’s decade-long commitment to the area’s largest LGBTQIA+ organization, which he first joined as director of programs in 2015 after serving several years as a volunteer.

“I have deeply appreciated Michael’s expertise and steady partnership throughout my first year as executive director,” said Christopher Terkos, who began leading OutFront last January. “As OutFront continues to embrace a shared leadership model, this step reflects the collaborative approach that has already been guiding our work.”

Terkos credited Cleggs-Arnott’s institutional knowledge and commitment as invaluable assets to the organization.

During his tenure, Cleggs-Arnott has witnessed significant organizational growth. The nonprofit has expanded from two full-time staff members managing four regular programs to its current team of 10 full-time staff members overseeing more than 30 programs and services.

Cleggs-Arnott has guided the organization through multiple locations, leadership transitions, and challenging periods, including the 2020 pandemic shutdown.

As deputy director, he aims to advocate for greater representation of historically underrepresented community members in OutFront’s programs and services, particularly Black and brown, indigenous and senior individuals.

“I feel an immense amount of pressure, not only because I am a Black man in this role, but because there is so much need,” Cleggs-Arnott said. “Yet even with our small staff, we have some of the most supportive services offered in our community. That keeps me proud.”

OutFront Kalamazoo is a nonprofit charitable organization working to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Kalamazoo County for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Original Link: https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2026/04/outfront-kalamazoo-names-organizations-first-deputy-director.html