Angela, welcome! We are so happy to have you on board as our next executive director. Can you share a bit about what interested you in this role and in joining the Johnson Center for Philanthropy?
I have long admired the Johnson Center’s work and commitment to philanthropy. The opportunity to join the Center’s team, which brings research and practice together to help nonprofit and philanthropic leaders become more effective, especially appealed to me. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of academic research and nonprofit practice, and I believe deeply in the value of applied research — work that not only advances our understanding of the field but also helps practitioners address real-world challenges. The opportunity to continue that work at an academic institution that values philanthropy research is exciting.
The Johnson Center’s tagline, “Smarter Philanthropy Starts Here,” really captures what drew me to the organization. I want to be part of the conversations and collaborations that bring together people who care deeply about philanthropy and are working to find better ways to use it to strengthen communities and improve lives. There is so much potential in that work.
You have more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and consulting experience, so you’ve seen our field undergo challenges and change before. This time feels different. How do you think the field needs to evolve to meet today’s crises and thrive in the future?
The current environment feels unprecedented in my career. Multiple external pressures are converging at the same time – reductions in federal funding, rising costs, workforce disruption, declining trust in institutions, and shifts in volunteer and donor engagement – creating especially difficult circumstances for many nonprofits. I also see dedicated nonprofit staff exhausted from trying to meet heroic expectations.
I think it is time for a renaissance in philanthropy. We need to renew our appreciation for philanthropy’s role in addressing social challenges, strengthening communities, and giving people meaningful ways to participate in our democracy. Many people don’t fully recognize how nonprofit organizations and philanthropic support have shaped their lives and communities. The Johnson Center’s team understands this and is deeply committed to driving progress during these changing times.
I believe we need reinvigorated investment in the people, organizations, and infrastructure that make the sector effective. We can be more intentional about investing in nonprofit operational capacity as the path to sustainability in our field, rather than viewing it as an expense. Finally, we must do more to attract, prepare, and retain the next generation of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, helping young people see these fields as places to build rewarding careers.
I think it is time for a renaissance in philanthropy. We need to renew our appreciation for philanthropy’s role in addressing social challenges, strengthening communities, and giving people meaningful ways to participate in our democracy.
What trends or shifts in the field are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the growing interest in collaboration because it lets us discover new ways to work together to solve complex issues. We are seeing foundations pledge to work together, community foundations bringing more businesses and individuals into their conversations about community needs, and nonprofits become more open to partnering with one another. These examples show the potential for collective action to advance missions. Many of today’s challenges are too complex for any one organization or funder to address alone. By bringing together our resources, talent, knowledge, and relationships around shared goals, we have a much greater opportunity to make significant progress and advance our collective missions.
The Johnson Center has deep roots in Michigan, as well as a national and international presence. How do you see us serving and engaging these different audiences?
While I have some ideas about where we can go, I genuinely want to begin by listening to our colleagues in Michigan and partners around the country. I see tremendous value in the Johnson Center’s ability to connect local experience with broader conversations about philanthropy.
That said, Michigan is home to the Johnson Center, and I see an important responsibility to continue serving the philanthropic community that has supported and shaped the Center over the years. I would also like to see us help communities around the country where philanthropic infrastructure is less developed to build stronger local philanthropic ecosystems. There is much to learn about what makes philanthropy effective in different communities and how local resources can be mobilized to address local needs.
Nationally, I see opportunities to deepen partnerships with organizations that support foundations and nonprofit leaders, sharing research and practical tools that help funders invest wisely and better support their grantees and communities. Internationally, I hope we continue sharing what we learn about community philanthropy, collective action, and effective practice while learning from our partners around the world. We can learn even more about philanthropy by inviting communities around the globe to contribute to how philanthropy can best work in different places.
Let’s turn our attention a little closer to home. How do you see the Johnson Center and the executive director position fitting within Grand Valley State University and West Michigan more broadly?
I see the Johnson Center as an important bridge between the university and the broader philanthropic and nonprofit community. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to connect research and education with the real-world experiences of sector practitioners. I see opportunities to build on that strength by bringing together university faculty and students, nonprofit leaders, funders, and community partners to share ideas, learn from one another, and work through some of the most important challenges facing our communities.
West Michigan is also a wonderful place to do this work. The region has a remarkable tradition of philanthropy and a vibrant funder and nonprofit community. I look forward to getting to know the people and organizations that make this community so special, learning about the work already underway, and finding ways the Johnson Center can contribute. I hope we can build even stronger connections between Grand Valley, the Center, and the community—and bring West Michigan’s ideas and experiences into conversations across the country.
Now let’s get to know you a bit better. What nonprofits or social causes are closest to your heart?
So many nonprofit organizations have inspired me with a variety of missions throughout my career that it has been challenging to develop a narrow giving strategy, personally. However, I’ve always believed education is our best chance to improve lives and communities, so my philanthropic passion is supporting education. My husband and I do that in a variety of ways, from supporting institutions closest to us like our alma maters and our children’s schools, to organizations like YES Prep and professional education through the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Foundation. We also believe the arts play an important role in education and community life, so supporting theater and youth music and theater education is meaningful to us. We also support organizations that serve veterans and help people meet basic needs. I look forward to getting to know and supporting these types of organizations in Grand Rapids.
As a leader, you’ll be asked to share your wisdom and perspective. What’s a piece of advice from a mentor that you still come back to?
The advice I return to most often is that we can learn something from everyone. My parents helped me internalize that wisdom, and it has served me in just about every aspect of my life. It reminds me to remain curious and to respect the perspectives of everyone around me. I think that belief helps make us better students, teachers, leaders, parents, and neighbors. It has been especially important in my work in philanthropy, where progress depends on listening to and thoughtfully involving the many people who have a stake in the work.
What can’t you do without?
Smoothies, music, my dog Cookie, and time with family and friends. I’m happiest when I have all four!
Lastly, how should people get in touch with you?
You can find me on LinkedIn or contact the Johnson Center, and the team can help us connect. I look forward to meeting more of the people who make up this wonderful community.
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201 Front Ave SW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 | (616) 331-7585 | jcp@gvsu.edu
