Wilson appointed to statewide board

E. Miles Wilson, director of philanthropic and nonprofit services at Grand Valley State University’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy has been appointed to serve on the State of Michigan’s Community Service Commission.

His appointment to the 25-member statewide board was announced by Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday, October 22.

“Michigan is a great place to live, work and play, largely because its citizens believe so strongly in the values of volunteerism and community service,” Snyder said in a statement. “These appointees bring outstanding experiences to this board and I am thankful for their willingness to serve.”

Wilson is responsible for the Johnson Center’s national work to provide training and support to foundation professionals and their organizations, and its regional work providing training, technical assistance, and management support to Michigan-based nonprofit organizations.

Wilson joined the Johnson Center in 2009 as director of The Grantmaking School and then led the merger of nonprofit programming with an expanded line of grantmaker products to form the philanthropic and nonprofit services unit. Previously, Wilson served as vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, program director of the Omidyar Foundation/Network, and senior program officer at the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and government from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in higher education from Ohio State University. He will represent individuals with expertise in the educational training and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth. He fills a vacancy created by Kathleen Maisner.

Established in 1991, the 25-member Michigan Community Service Commission board fosters a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. It also develops a three-year comprehensive community and national service plan that is updated annually. 

For more information on the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, visit johnsoncenter.org.