APPLETON, Wis. – (March 30, 2026) – Reach Counseling announces a strategic leadership transition with the appointment of Misty Pickett as Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter focused on long-term sustainability, innovation, and expanded community impact. Pickett brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience in organizational development, community engagement, and mission-driven growth, including contributions to Wisconsin’s Family Care Program. Her appointment reflects Reach Counseling’s commitment to stability, service excellence, and expanding access to trauma-informed mental health care.
This transition comes at a pivotal time for victim service providers. Significant federal funding reductions, including anticipated losses tied to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), are impacting organizations across the country and within Wisconsin. In response, Reach Counseling is proactively diversifying revenue to ensure continued access to critical trauma healing services.
In a planned and intentional leadership transition developed in partnership with Reach Counseling’s Board of Directors, Kristen Trimberger will move from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Consulting Officer. This shift reflects a forward-looking approach to organizational sustainability and expanded community impact.
In her new role, Trimberger will lead the launch of Reach Forward, the organization’s capacity-building and consulting initiative designed to strengthen nonprofits and community-based organizations. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she brings deep expertise in building high-performing organizations, driving sustainable growth, and leading organizational development.
“This transition reflects a thoughtful and strategic decision led by Kristen in close partnership with the Board,” said Brianna Propson, Chair of Reach Counseling’s Board of Directors. “Her vision for expanding Reach Counseling’s impact through innovative, sustainable revenue strategies while strengthening the broader network of community care positions the organization for long-term success. We are grateful for her continued leadership in this new role.”
Reach Forward will support organizations through strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and grant writing support. By strengthening the capacity of community partners, Reach Counseling is advancing a more connected and effective network of care; ensuring survivors and their support systems have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive. Organizations interested in learning more about consulting services may contact Kristen Trimberger at kristent@reachcounseling.com.
“Misty is a purpose-driven leader with the skills needed to nurture Reach Forward and maintain the core focus of Reach Counseling’s mission. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to people, collaboration and community impact and we are thrilled to have her on board”
Pickett’s career spans frontline and leadership roles at Lakeland Care Inc. and Goodwill SEW, and most recently as Vice President of Consulting at Lakeland Care Plus, where she partnered to launch innovative solutions for leadership development, consulting, and managed technology solutions for community organizations. A Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, she focuses on aligning individual strengths with organizational purpose to drive lasting impact.
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, Reach Counseling is also expanding its leadership team with the addition of its first Chief Philanthropy Officer, a role focused on donor relationships, individual giving, major gifts, and planned giving to deepen community investment and strengthen financial resilience.
“Lasting impact happens when organizations meet people where they are and intentionally build pathways forward together,” said Pickett. “Reach Counseling has a powerful legacy of service, and I am honored to lead efforts that expand access to care and strengthen the systems that support survivors and communities.”
About Reach Counseling
Reach Counseling is a leading provider of trauma-specific mental health care in Northeastern Wisconsin. The organization is committed to understanding and responding to emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. Since 1976, Reach has helped heal the lives of abuse victims and hold perpetrators accountable through innovative programs in education and outreach, victim advocacy, outpatient therapy, culturally responsive programming, and sex offender treatment. In 2025, the organization served over 9,000 community members through its programs. If you are a survivor in Calumet, Outagamie, or Winnebago counties in need of Reach Counseling services, call their 24/7 helpline at 920-722-8150.
