We are here to start something

Dara Munson, MPA
President and CEO

Dara Munson is an innovative, results-oriented executive with proven skills in strategic planning, program development, quality improvement, fund development and communications.  As a seasoned nonprofit executive whose career has focused on the needs of at-risk children, Dara is passionate about serving youth and lives it every day.  She has been a mentor through Big Brother Big Sisters since June 2005.  Immediately upon her appointment as CEO in May of 2007, Munson focused on raising the awareness for the need for mentors by launching the 100 Mentors in 100 Days Campaign and mobilizing the African-American Greek community to participate in the movement resulting in more male mentors becoming involved.  The campaign is duplicated across the United States.  A native Detroiter, Dara is a graduate of Cass Technical High School.  She holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters of Science Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. 

Robert Hennessey, CPA
Vice President, Finance and Administration

Robert Hennessey has Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Saginaw Valley State University.  Mr. Hennessey is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner; he is responsible for day to day human resource, accounting, finance and budget activities.  Hennessey prepares and monitors the annual budget, generates monthly financial reports, cash flow and analysis and completes all grant reporting requirements.  His human resource responsibilities include interviewing potential employees, maintaining employee files, and administering agency human resource policies and practices.  He also consults and assists senior management with finance and operations related issues.

Paige Dotson Peabody, ESQ
Chief Development Officer

Paige Peabody has over 15 years of experience as the CEO of a multi-million dollar company as well as an entensive legal, management and sales background.  Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sister, Paige was the CEO of Esquire Properties, a real estate development company which developed the top condominium properties in and around the Detroit Metropolitan Area.  After that, Paige became the CEO of Camp Fire USA running the Southeast Michigan Branch.  She has extensive knowledge in the areas of corporate law, sales, strategic planning, employee relations, market analysis studies, customer satisfaction measurement, donor relations, board development and so much more.  Paige is on the Board of the Children's Center of Wayne County; is a member of Delta Gamma and Tau Beta Societies; and is on the Auxiliary Board for Cottage Hospital Henry Ford.  Paige holds a Doctorate of Law from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts in Psyschology and Sociology from the University of Michigan.

Lynette Simmons, MA
Vice President, Programs

Lynette Simmons oversees all aspects of programming for BBBSMD.  She ensures that all programs are well-planned, achieving program goals and meeting requirements of the agency and grantors, including special initiatives to reach underserved populations like children of prisoners as she has with BBBSMD's current MCP grant since 2007.  Simmons is experienced in leading program staff and translating national BBBSA network goals to local execution.  She is very skilled in analysis and assessment of program metrics to evaluate efficacy to the work and course correct as needed.  Simmons previously worked for Northwest Airlines for 15 years in multiple supervisory positions, including customer service, program implementation and corporate business sales.  Simmons holds a Masters of Administration in Behavioral Communication and a Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Communication/Risk Management from Eastern Michigan University