President Emeritus, Starr Commonwealth
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved former President and CEO, Dr. Martin L. “Marty” Mitchell. Marty dedicated his life to Starr Commonwealth with unwavering passion and a courageous belief in the inherent worth of every child. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of our organization—and it lives on in each life he touched, each value he upheld, and every act of healing and hope inspired by his vision.
Marty was more than a leader. He was a counselor, a teacher, a champion, a colleague, a mentor—and to so many of us, a dear friend. In 1970, at just 19 years old, Marty began his journey with Starr as a child care worker, not much older than the youth he served. What began as a summer job ignited a lifelong calling. In 2004, he rose to become only the fourth President in Starr’s storied history, guiding us into a new century of service and transforming the landscape of child welfare along the way. Even after his retirement in 2016, Marty continued to support Starr as a board member and president emeritus, bringing his total years of service to a remarkable 55 years.
Marty led with both heart and vision. He championed trauma-informed care and strength-based approaches long before they were widely understood, always seeing the potential in every young person. Under his leadership, Starr expanded its reach—launching therapeutic boarding schools, autism programs, the Starr Detroit Academy, and Starr’s Professional Learning network, which has trained hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. His commitment to social justice also laid the foundation for Glasswing, Starr’s racial healing initiative, and set a moral compass for our work that endures to this day.
His intellect and innovation earned him many accolades, but it was Marty’s humanity that defined him. He led by example—humble, kind, joyful, and full of integrity. His handwritten notes, his hearty laugh, his presence at student performances and staff celebrations, and his belief that “we must treat children as our social equals” are memories etched in our halls and in our hearts. Marty once wrote, “The power of being genuine and real with young people…is the key to truly helping others.” He lived those words every single day.
As we grieve this immense loss and extend our deepest condolences to his family, we also give thanks for the joy, strength, and light that Marty brought into our lives. He challenged us to do better, to be better—for children, for families, for one another. Starr Commonwealth is stronger because of him. The world is better because of him.
Dr. Marty Mitchell, your legacy is everlasting. Rest in peace, dear friend.
With love and remembrance,
The Starr Commonwealth Family
