Meet the Staff

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 and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusivity, Kelley enjoys spending quality time with her family in Saline, along with their new puppy, Tracker.

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!

Beckie resides in Southeast Michigan with her husband, their three kids, and two dogs. When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping, traveling, and exploring the Mitten State!

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 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. She resides in Lansing with her family which includes her two sons and their goldendoodle, Max. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and root for the Spartans. Go Green!

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

David Boone is a Tech Specialist at the Michigan Nonprofit Association. With a diverse background that spans the banking industry, real estate, and the tech world, David's journey has been defined by his unwavering passion for technology.

David's career trajectory began as a licensed personal banker in the banking sector. However, his IT skills led him to explore new avenues. He ventured into the realm of real estate and later transitioned to the dynamic world of tech.

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, class of 2009, David's academic foundation provided him with the skills and knowledge to excel in the tech arena. He transformed his passion for IT, which had been a longstanding hobby, into a fulfilling career. His journey with MNA commenced several years ago as a dedicated contractor before evolving into a permanent member of our team.

When he's not diligently managing tech-related queries and concerns on the helpdesk, David wholeheartedly embraces his outdoorsy spirit. He enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and kayaking. Beyond his personal pursuits, David is a proud father of two daughters and finds immense joy in cheering them on during their sports games. Interesting fact: David has a cat named Bowie– not in homage to the legendary late David Bowie, but as a nod to pop star JoJo Siwa’s famous hair bows.

As Program and Partnership Manager, Stephanie Deible is integral to the design, management, and evolution of MNA programs. Her work solidifies the organization’s dedication to elevating the voice and leadership of the nonprofit sector. Stephanie embodies MNA’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ensuring that these values are consistently echoed across MNA’s programs, products, and services.

Her passion and enthusiasm for nonprofits, education, and advocacy make her an invaluable member of the MNA team. Prior to joining MNA, Stephanie served as the Community Inclusion Specialist for Disability Network West Michigan where she led initiatives to eliminate barriers and expand access for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, as the former Executive Director of Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc., she spearheaded efforts to empower individuals with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and advocacy skills.

A proud alumnus of Grand Valley State University, Stephanie holds dual degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, and a Master's in education focusing on student affairs and leadership. Outside her professional sphere, Stephanie is an avid adventurer and sports enthusiast. She finds joy in traveling, swimming, skiing, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative interests extend to writing and enjoying music. Furthermore, Stephanie takes immense pleasure in uplifting others, consistently seeking ways to inspire and motivate those in her orbit. She resides in West Michigan with her family.

Jen Fiandt is the Customer Insights Manager at Michigan Nonprofit Association. She oversees the relationships with MNA's customers which includes clear, effective and timely communication. Jen is a strong problem-solver and loves networking within the sector.

She brings two decades of experience in building multisector partnerships, customer experiences, and educational programs in the arts, wellness and outdoor industries. Most recently, she oversaw REI’s community outreach and programming, and drove membership growth for the consumer co-op’s Detroit market.

Jen holds a degree in public relations from Western Michigan University.

Jen is a passionate advocate for community well-being through movement, nature and the arts. In her free time, she serves as co-chair of the City of Ferndale’s Parks and Recreation Commission.

Erecenia Friday serves as the Membership Manager at the Michigan Nonprofit Association, overseeing business development activities such as membership cultivation and retention, network growth, customer service strategy, and sales.

With a strong background in fundraising, marketing, and communications, Erecenia has dedicated over a decade to the nonprofit sector, collaborating with various organizations to enhance their visibility and advance their missions. Prior to joining MNA, she served as the Communications Specialist for the College of Education at Wayne State University working closely with stakeholders to improve recruitment and retention while elevating the college’s visibility. As the Marketing Manager at PDK International, she successfully managed multiple projects and collaborated on diverse initiatives.

Erecenia holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Relations and Communication from Wayne State University.

Passionate about sustainable living and eco-friendly practices, Erecenia made a conscious decision over seven years ago to use environmentally friendly products in her home, inspired by the birth of her daughter. This commitment led her to establish Breathe Green, a successful non-toxic cleaning company that operated from 2009 to 2022.

Raised in the Detroit Metro Area, Erecenia remains actively engaged in her community. She takes great pride in her membership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, a renowned organization dedicated to service and sisterhood.

During her leisure time, Erecenia enjoys traveling with her children, spending time with her friends and sorority sisters, attending concerts, shopping, and indulging in Marvel movies.

Klarholz Jobe is a public policy fellow at MNA. She started her new role at MNA earlier this summer. She hails from the West African nation of Gambia where she was born and raised. Her journey to the United States was paved with dedication and a commitment to making a difference. As an undergraduate student at Ithaca College in New York, Klarholz majored in politics, with legal studies as her minor. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the realm of nonprofit advocacy.

During her time at Ithaca College, Klarholz was recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and was selected as a scholar of the BOLD Women's Leadership Cohort, a groundbreaking initiative involving six colleges and universities that selects women based on their commitment to collaboration, innovation, diversity, and inclusion. This prestigious program, funded by the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, is designed to foster cross-generational mentoring, leadership training, and business networking while focusing on the unique experiences of women, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Klarholz's participation in this program honed her leadership abilities and further fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

Beyond her impressive academic and professional achievements, Klarholz brings a vibrant personality to MNA. When she's not championing nonprofit causes, you can find her in the kitchen, whipping up culinary delights, immersing herself in the pages of captivating books, dancing to the rhythm of life, or chasing the breathtaking sunsets on the West Coast beaches of Gambia. Her embrace of the local Muslim community here in the Mid-Michigan area showcases her genuine warmth, inclusivity, and devotion to her faith.

Adam is the director of information technology services at Michigan Nonprofit Association and is responsible for the promotion, development and implementation of IT services for nonprofits statewide. He oversees the MNA Tech team, provides strategic IT support for nonprofits, and ensures the smooth operation of the Nonprofit Center located at the Armory in Lansing.

Adam attended Central Michigan University where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 2001.

In his free time, he enjoys audiobooks, camping, and wrestling with his three sons.

Mariah McAnallen is the Marketing Manager at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). She assists the Chief Communications Officer with building MNA’s brand through effective storytelling, marketing campaigns, media relations, and social media. She is well-versed in communication strategies and digital marketing trends.

Mariah is passionate about nonprofits and comes to MNA with a wealth of experience in the sector. Her prior work includes Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, United Way, YMCA, and Make-A-Wish Michigan. Most recently, she was the Director of Marketing at Legacy Commercial Group in Brighton.

Mariah holds dual BA degrees from Grand Valley State University in Public/Nonprofit Administration and Writing. While at GVSU, she was president of Pals Student Mentors, a nonprofit located in West Michigan.

She currently resides in Brighton, Michigan with her husband and their fur baby Duncan, a Scottish Terrier with a big personality! In her free time, Mariah enjoys the outdoors, cheering on her favorite sports teams, reading, writing, and spending time in Northern Michigan.

Mark is the consulting manager at MNA Technology Services and provides support to a variety of nonprofits. With more than three decades of experience, Mark has authored many of the technical assessments issued by MNA Tech and is the recipient of numerous awards.

Mark attended Eastern Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering.

Alex is the IT Systems and Consulting Manager at MNA Technology Services and provides services to a variety of nonprofit clients.

Prior to joining MNA, Alex worked as a Technical Support Engineer at Tek Experts where he ensured exceptional customer experiences with all clients. He earned a law degree from Brazil and honed his tech skills at Per Scholas here in the United States.

Alex is passionate about traveling and exploring new places. “Learning new cultures and getting to know new people fulfills me as a human being.”

When he’s not at MNA Tech, you can find Alex in the gym, or playing PC games and his guitar. He also enjoys cooking and trying out new recipes while listening to music. Alex resides in Ypsilanti with his family.

Deanna Tocco is the Office Manager & Board Liaison at Michigan Nonprofit Association. In this role, she provides high-level administrative support to the senior leadership team and is adept at strategic problem solving on opportunities that advance MNA’s mission. She also serves as liaison to MNA’s board of directors.

Deanna brings over three decades of nonprofit experience and leadership to MNA. Most recently, she served as a professional consultant for nonprofits where she provided organizational development and program planning services. Prior to that, she was program director at Tri-Community Coalition, a nonprofit in Berkley, and the director of program services at Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in Ferndale.

Deanna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Development from Oakland University.

In her free time, she loves watching college football (Go Green!) and discussing current events and politics. She and her wife reside in Royal Oak with their two children.