Grand Rapids, MI, Feb. 20, 2026 – Varnum partner Sarah Wixson has joined the board of Friends of the Children Detroit, attorney Katie Szymanski has been named Board Vice President for the Western Michigan Estate Planning Council, and attorney Cole Anderson has been elected to the board and partnership committee of Beyond26.
Sarah Wixson Joins Friends of the Children Detroit Board
Friends of the Children Detroit supports youth facing significant obstacles through long-term, professional mentoring relationships. The organization connects children with paid, full-time mentors who support them from early childhood through high school graduation. As a board member, Wixson will support the organization’s mission of empowering youth through sustained mentoring and advocacy.
Wixson is a litigation partner and leader of Varnum’s Health Care Practice Team. She advises physicians, hospitals, and health care entities on litigation, compliance, regulatory, and licensing matters. Her practice also includes business and real estate disputes, including shareholder, contract, and commercial litigation.
Katie Szymanski Named Vice President of Western Michigan Estate Planning Council Board
The Western Michigan Estate Planning Council is a professional organization affiliated with the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils that promotes collaboration among estate planning professionals in West Michigan. As Vice President of the Board of Directors, Szymanski will support the council’s education, professional development, and member engagement efforts.
Szymanski is a member of Varnum’s Estate Planning Practice Team. Her practice includes estate settlement, trust administration, tax, and wealth transfer planning for individuals and families. She also advises clients on tax compliance and planning for real estate and closely held business interests. Szymanski is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®).
Cole Anderson Elected to Beyond26 Board of Directors
Beyond26 supports adults with disabilities in finding employment through individualized advocacy and networking. The organization works with businesses and community partners to identify employment and volunteer opportunities. As a member of the Partnership Committee, Anderson will support fundraising and partnership development efforts to help expand Beyond26’s reach and impact.
Anderson is an associate in Varnum’s Labor and Employment Practice Team. He supports clients through legal research, drafting, and preparation of filings and agreements related to workplace matters. Prior to joining Varnum, Anderson served as a corporate counsel extern and interned with the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
