Featured photo: Kelley Kuhn
MNA VP replaces outgoing CEO Donna Murray-Brown
(Lansing)-The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) recently announced its decision to hire
Michigan native Kelley Kuhn as its new President & CEO, effective January 1.
Kuhn, who currently serves as MNA vice president, replaces outgoing MNA executive Donna Murray-
Brown, whose departure was prompted by a spousal job change that will take her family out of state.
“We couldn’t be more excited about MNA’s future under Kelley’s leadership,” said MNA board chair Scott
Schropp.
“Our national search brought in more than 160 top applicants from across the U.S., but Kelley’s
credentials and proven, capable leadership were unsurpassed,” Schropp added. “Moreover, her demonstrated leadership in supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and justice for all Michigan residents is in keeping with our future efforts.”
Kuhn has been with MNA since 2008. Previously, she served as executive director of the Jackson Nonprofit Support Center and provided executive-level services to the Jackson County Community Foundation and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.
“The Executive Search Committee reviewed candidates with a rigorous process that included in-depth
pre-screening, as well as comprehensive interviews, written work and personal assessments,” Schropp
explained. “Kelley’s knowledge, skills and abilities put her at the very top of our list, which demonstrates the
tremendous work that’s just around the corner for MNA.”
Murray-Brown also expressed enthusiasm for the board’s selection.
“As difficult as it is for me to leave the Michigan Nonprofit Association, I am overjoyed to know that it is
going to be in the hands of Kelley Kuhn’s proven leadership,” Murray-Brown said. “I have had the pleasure to serve Michigan’s nonprofit sector alongside Kelley Kuhn for the last 12 years. Her thoughtful leadership, coupled with her heart for doing good in communities across the state, will ensure the strength and capacity of the MNA for years to come. I look forward to cheering her on as she accomplishes great things.”
Other leaders across Michigan also received the news with enthusiasm.
“We are excited to learn of Kelley’s appointment to the leadership of MNA,” said Madhavi Reddy,
executive director of Community Development Advocates of Detroit.
“She has been instrumental in helping implement the associations diversity, equity inclusion and justice initiatives in recent years and provides a powerful advocate for people across Michigan,” Reddy added. “Her leadership is going to be crucial as we work toward a better future for everyone in our state.”
“Kelley brings an extraordinary set of skills to the table, and we are excited to see her rise to the
leadership of MNA,” said Jim Boyle, vice president and programs and communications for the Ralph C.
Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
“She is a dynamic leader whose commitment to the values of the association is both clear and effective in driving the solutions Michigan’s nonprofit sector will need in the years ahead,” Boyle added.
