VISTA, CA (December 16, 2026) — The Solutions for Change Board of Directors announced today that Aaron Byzak has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026. Byzak succeeds Board Chair Chris Chen, who has been serving as Acting CEO during the transition period and will now return to his role as Board Chair.
Solutions for Change — founded in 1999 — has spent more than 26 years transforming the lives of families facing homelessness, pioneering a unique, accountability-based model that empowers parents to achieve long-term independence. Through its signature Solutions Academy, the organization has helped thousands of families break generational cycles of homelessness and has become a nationally recognized example of family-centered transformation. These outcomes reflect the foundational vision and decades of stewardship provided by founder Chris Megison, who led and shaped the organization’s model for more than 26 years. Byzak, who offers fractional executive leadership services through his company, Galvanized Strategies, brings to the role more than 30 years of leadership experience across healthcare, government, and non-profit organizations. Most recently, he served as Interim CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District from March to December 2025, where he helped guide the District through a period of executive transition while advancing governance, strategic planning, and community engagement initiatives.
Prior to that role, Byzak held senior leadership positions throughout North County San Diego, including as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief External Affairs Officer at Tri-City Medical Center. His work in regional health, community partnership development, and workforce initiatives has received statewide and national recognition.
He is a Vista resident, where he lives with his family.
Byzak is also a longtime member of the Solutions for Change family. For years, he has served as a strategic advisor to the organization and a volunteer instructor in the Solutions Academy, teaching personal and professional development courses to participants as part of their Overcomer journey.
“We are grateful for Aaron’s willingness to guide the organization during this important period,” said Chris Chen, Board Chair. “His steady leadership, deep commitment to our mission, and long history with Solutions for Change make him uniquely prepared to support our staff, strengthen our programs, and reengage donors and partners.”
Vista Mayor John Franklin offered his support as well:
“Solutions for Change has been one of Vista’s most important mission-driven organizations for more than two decades, and its impact on families in our region is extraordinary,” Mayor Franklin said. “Aaron Byzak is a respected leader in our community whose experience, integrity, and commitment to service will help guide the organization through this transition and into its next chapter. Vista is fortunate to have both a strong organization and a strong leader stepping forward at this critical time.”
Byzak expressed both gratitude and optimism in stepping into the role.
“Solutions for Change has a remarkable 26-year legacy of helping families transform their lives,” Byzak said. “It is an honor to support this organization during a time of leadership transition. My focus will be on supporting our team, engaging with donors and community partners, and working closely with the Board to chart a clear and sustainable path forward. The mission is too important, and the families we serve deserve our very best.”
During the interim period, Solutions for Change will focus on strengthening communication across the organization, deepening relationships with supporters, and evaluating long-term strategic opportunities. The Board will begin assessing permanent leadership needs once key organizational milestones have been met.
About Solutions for Change:
Solutions for Change solves the root causes of family homelessness using a ground-up, community-based, and social enterprise-driven approach. To preserve its model of personal accountability and long-term transformation, Solutions for Change chooses not to rely on government funding. Formed in 1999 under IRS code 501(c)(3), the nonprofit’s mission is to transform the most vulnerable and dependent people into the most empowered, equipped, and inspired Overcomers. For more information, visit www.solutionsforchange.org.
