Donna Murray-Brown, Vice Chair

Donna Murray-Brown is the former VP of Strategy and Development of the National Council of Nonprofits. Donna leads the growth core resources through practical and impactful strategic initiatives that integrate the knowledge, policy, and advocacy competencies and support the network in advancing those strategic initiatives.

Donna was introduced to the nonprofit sector while serving on the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s advisory board. After transitioning from a 20+ year banking career, she initially led the work of the Metro Detroit Partnership Office for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a statewide membership organization providing nonprofits with advocacy, training, technology services, and civic engagement initiatives.

In 2013, Donna became president and CEO of MNA, and is credited for being a bold and inclusive leader who created space for groundbreaking initiatives, including a Census 2020 Michigan complete count initiative, COVID-19 mitigation programs, and strategies supporting nonprofit leaders of color.

Twice honored as a NonProfit Times Power and Influence Top 50 leader in the nonprofit sector, Donna was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2021 as one of the Most Influential Women in Michigan. She serves on the board for Candid and Detroit Public TV, and on the Leadership Council for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

She is a first-generation college graduate earning a master’s degree in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy and a B.S. in Business Administration from Central State University. She holds professional certifications from Boston College and Harvard Business School.