About Us

Our Team

Meet Our Staff

We bring passion and experience to our work, drawing on expertise in a variety of fields, including social science research, organizational development, and adult education.

Elizabeth J. Dale, Ph.D.

Acting Executive Director and Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy

Michael D. Layton, Ph.D.

W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair

Tory Martin, M.A.

Director, Communications and Strategic Partnerships

Kejuan “KJ” Stewart

Joel J. Orosz Graduate Assistant/Fellow for the Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy

Meet Our Leadership Council

The Johnson Center’s Leadership Council advises our strategic direction. We would like to thank the members for providing their time and expertise to help shape the center’s direction.

Joe Antolín, J.D.

President and CEO, Asset Funders Network

Jennifer A. Drake, Ph.D.

Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

David Egner

President & CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

Mae Hong

Managing Director, Square One Foundation

Dorothy A. Johnson

President Emeritus, Council of Michigan Foundations

Donna Murray-Brown

Nonprofit & Business Executive, Board Member

Isaiah Oliver

President, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

Eric Pearson

President and CEO, El Paso Community Foundation

Kate Pew Wolters

President, Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation

Interested in joining our team?

Here at the Johnson Center, you’ll get the unique opportunity to bridge the worlds of foundations, nonprofits, academics, and practitioners to advance the capacity of professionals and organizations working for the common good. Professionals at the Johnson Center enjoy the benefits and human resource offerings of Grand Valley State University.

About Us

Our Team

Meet Our Staff

Trish Abalo

Kallie Bauer, M.B.A.

Crisol Beliz

Emily Brenner, M.P.A.

Julia Coffman, M.S.

Julie Couturier, CPA

Elizabeth J. Dale, Ph.D.

Emily Dorn Jex, M.S.

Jana Einfeld

Jason Entingh

Sherri Hall

Karen Hoekstra

Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D.

Michael D. Layton, Ph.D.

Tory Martin, M.A.

Jill Roof, M.P.A.

Mandy Sharp Eizinger, M.S.