Our Leadership

Dave Egner served as Director of MNA from 1993-1997

David (Dave) Egner served at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation when the Michigan Nonprofit Association and the Michigan Community Service Commission were founded, and during the early implementation of the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project at the Council of Michigan Foundations. Egner was the second director of MNA, leading it through transformation from the Michigan Nonprofit Forum and recovery from bankruptcy. Egner is a long-time leader in Michigan’s philanthropic community and a practitioner who is partially responsible for bringing a number of Michigan’s key institutions to life.

CEO: 1997-2007

Sam Singh

Sam Singh launched a career in Michigan philanthropy with his first job as a Youth Engaged in Service ambassador. As executive director of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Singh helped to integrate Campus Compact and Volunteer Centers of Michigan into the larger organization. When it made sense to merge ConnectMichigan Alliance with the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Singh worked closely with Kyle Caldwell to integrate the two organizations and complete a smooth transition. Singh served as a representative from the Lansing area to the Michigan House of Representatives and brings a government perspective to his reflections, as well as years of leadership and service.

CEO: 2007-2012

Kyle Caldwell

Kyle Caldwell is an unabashed champion of Michigan’s philanthropic sector with more than 25 years of government, nonprofit and philanthropic sector experience. Kyle’s leadership experiences have run the full gambit of the Great Lakes State’s philanthropic and nonprofit infrastructure organizations. Prior to his appointment with CMF in 2018, Kyle, a Michigan native, was executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, one of the country’s leading academic centers for philanthropy. Prior to that, he served as the director for the Pathways to Opportunity Program at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation where he helped evolve the foundation’s approach to addressing poverty to focus on education. Early in his philanthropy journey, Kyle served as an intern, and then later as executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission in Governor John Engler and Governor Jennifer Granholm administrations. A champion of public-private partnerships, Kyle helped launch and then lead the ConnectMichigan Alliance (CMA) that created a $20 million endowment to support volunteerism that engaged both state government and philanthropy in a one-of-a-kind statewide campaign. CMA merged with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and Kyle became its president and CEO. There, he championed the work of nonprofits and foundations to help build a stronger ecosystem for philanthropy. Throughout his work in government and in foundations, Kyle has helped develop innovative and collaborative strategies and programming that strengthen the work of public and private grantmakers, government and nonprofits in Michigan. Philanthropy is Kyle’s second career after a short tenure as a professional photographer working for a small studio as well as large industrial institutions. While still his passion, Kyle notes that photography skills of observer and showing what others don’t see remain a part of the way he leads. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University (go Broncos) and an associate’s in applied science degree in journalism from Lansing Community College. Kyle and his wife of more than three decades live in the greater Grand Rapids area and have two children and a mob of “grand pets.”

CEO, 2012-2021

Donna Murray-Brown 

Donna Murray-Brown most recently served as the inaugural Vice President of Strategy and Development at the National Council of Nonprofits. Prior to moving into the nonprofit sector in 2009, Donna had a successful banking career, holding several senior management roles. A visionary leader, Donna’s decision to transition from banking to the nonprofit world was fueled by her desire to create a positive impact on communities and apply her leadership skills in new ways. Her fresh perspective has brought significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. 

In 2013, Donna became the President and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), where she was celebrated as a bold and inclusive leader. During her tenure, she spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Census 2020 Michigan Complete Count Initiative, COVID-19 mitigation programs, and strategies to support nonprofit leaders of color. Under her leadership, MNA became a driving force for advancing nonprofit advocacy and equity.

Donna was honored twice by The NonProfit Times as one of the Top 50 Power and Influence leaders in the nonprofit sector. She was also named one of Crain’s Detroit Business Most Influential Women in Michigan in 2021 and recognized as a 2024 Social Impact Woman to Watch by Nonprofit HR.

A first-generation college graduate, Donna holds a master’s degree in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy and a BS in Business Administration from Central State University. She also holds certifications in Corporate Community Affairs from Boston College and Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School.

In her personal time, Donna enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband, Stan, currently reside in Louisville, Kentucky.

CEO, 2022-Present

Kelley Kuhn

Kelley Kuhn lives and breathes the business of nonprofits. Holding what she considers the ideal role, Kuhn leads Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) as its president and CEO. This charitable organization is committed to supporting nonprofits and the communities they impact, with a strong focus on advancing antiracism and social justice. Through her work, Kuhn plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

“A solid and resourced nonprofit sector makes the world a better place and my mission is to ensure all nonprofits have access to capital, human and other resources they need to deliver on their missions,” she said. 

It wasn’t always numbers and meetings though. Kelley fell in love with the power of change nonprofits can create when she was in college and volunteered as a Special Olympics Unified Sports coach. After that, an internship in Jackson County sealed the deal. Nonprofits also need safety nets, and Kelley aims to be the fuel that helps keep all nonprofit programs moving forward here in Michigan.  

 In her moments away from championing Michigan's nonprofits and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusivity, Kelley enjoys spending quality time with her family in Saline, along with their new puppy, Tracker.

Kelley Kuhn, President and CEO

Kelley Kuhn (she/her) lives and breathes the business of nonprofits. She’s in the most perfect job in the world to help the nonprofits on the ground literally make lives and communities better – Kuhn is the president and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve by promoting antiracism and social justice.

“A solid and resourced nonprofit sector makes the world a better place and my mission is to ensure all nonprofits have access to capital, human and other resources they need to deliver on their missions,” she said.

It wasn’t always numbers and meetings though. Kelley fell in love with the power of change nonprofits can create when she was in college and volunteered as a Special Olympics Unified Sports coach. After that, an internship in Jackson County sealed the deal. Nonprofits also need safety nets, and Kelley aims to be the fuel that helps keep all nonprofit programs moving forward here in Michigan.

In her moments away from championing Michigan's nonprofits, Kelley enjoys spending quality time with her family, along with their new puppy, Tracker.

Beckie Hawes-Baggett, Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operations Officer at Michigan Nonprofit Association, Beckie provides strategic leadership and support for MNA’s business and finance functions including accounting, budgeting, human resources, and grants management. She has over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector.

Beckie holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and pre-law from Central Michigan University (CMU), and an MSA in organization and leadership from CMU. Fire up CHIPS!

When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping, traveling, and exploring the mitten!

Joan M. Gustafson, External Affairs Officer

Joan Gustafson is External Affairs Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA).

Joan is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs and civic engagement strategy for the organization. Previously, she spearheaded the communication and government affairs efforts for the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Prior to joining IFPTI, Joan was the Regional Director of West Michigan for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and served as the Governor’s liaison and ombudsman for the region.

In 2022, Joan joined the Leadership Council of Nonprofit VOTE, the leading source of nonpartisan resources to help nonprofits integrate voter engagement into their ongoing activities and services.

Joan holds a degree in economics from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, you'll find her running, golfing or reading.

Tammy Pitts, Chief Communications Officer

Tammy Pitts is the Chief Communications Officer at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). She is responsible for all external communications, marketing, and media relations strategy and execution across the organization. Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing and brand management. Prior to joining MNA, she served as the senior producer of News 10 Today at WILX for over 17 years where she coordinated content for a daily broadcast. Most recently, she was the communications editor for the dean of International Studies and Programs (ISP) at Michigan State University.

Tammy holds a MBA from Walden University and earned a BA in communication from Michigan State University. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and root for the Spartans. Go Green!

Nellie Tsai, Social Innovation Officer

As Social Innovation Officer, Nellie Tsai leads Michigan Nonprofit Association’s commitment and strategy to be an equitable, and inclusive organization. Working across the organization she helps lead initiatives that innovate and improve our core services.

Nellie previously served as the Community and Civic Engagement Director at MNA. In this capacity, she was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign, a collaborative, coordinated, statewide effort to mobilize nonprofits across the state to encourage participation in the upcoming 2020 census. Prior to this role, Nellie led MNA’s K-12 civic leadership program that connected youth to community causes and issues. Her past work experiences include leadership roles in charter school operations, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit development, and program management.

Nellie is an AmeriCorps alumna, and proudly serves on the Associate Board of City Year Detroit and the Volunteer Engagement Committee of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She was selected to be an Independent Sector 2021 American Express NGen Fellow. She is one of 12 outstanding public service leaders age 40 and under, who are helping to build a brighter future for communities nationwide. Nellie is also a Racial Equity Fellow of the Detroit Equity Action Lab, an initiative of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University. In addition to her volunteer work, she holds a K-12 Administrator Certificate from the state of Michigan.

Nellie holds a dual degree in Business (MBA) and Educational Studies (MA) from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Go Blue!