Kirkland-based Friends of Youth has announced that Chris Fernandez has joined its Board of Directors. Fernandez is a General Manager of Human Resources for the Microsoft Corporation. Fernandez has been with Microsoft since 2005.

Fernandez is certified as a Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Society for Training and Development. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Conference Board’s Global HR Council and as President of the Advisory Board for the Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations.

Fernandez lives in Redmond with his wife Michelle and their two children.

“We are excited to welcome Chris to our board,” said Friends of Youth President and CEO Terry Pottmeyer. “The excellence of the work we do in the community is a direct result of the quality of our wonderful staff. As our organization continues to grow, adding over 40 new employees in just the last year, we look forward to the insight and expertise Chris will bring to helping us support and develop our staff. We look forward to his leadership as we work toward a better future for at-risk youth in our community.”

Friends of Youth delivers a comprehensive range of therapeutic services for youth, young adults and families. With over 60 years of experience, national accreditation, 25 program sites, and services in 18 cities, the agency provides safe places to live and emotional support for youth and families in challenging circumstances.

For more information, visit www.friendsofyouth.org.