Johnson Center for Philanthropy names new executive director

A nonprofit leader and Michigan native has been selected as the new executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, one of the nation’s largest academic centers for philanthropy.

Kyle Caldwell, current director of the Pathways Out of Poverty grantmaking team at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, brings more than 22 years of experience and will provide overall leadership and vision for sustainable growth and strategic objectives to the center. He begins August 1.

“This is a great opportunity to work with a storied organization under the vision of Dottie Johnson, a great philanthropic leader, and I am honored to be a part of Grand Valley State University,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell has served in several leadership positions in the nonprofit sector, including president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Connect Michigan Alliance. His extensive experience includes serving both former Michigan governors John Engler and Jennifer Granholm as the executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC). He also has teaching experience at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

“Caldwell’s experience will ensure the organization has the strong leadership needed to fulfill its mission and 22-year legacy of developing research, resources and educational opportunities for the philanthropic community,” said George Grant Jr., dean of the College of Community and Public Service.

Dorothy A. Johnson, namesake of the Johnson Center, said, “Kyle’s vast experience and entrepreneurial approach will ensure the center can help Grand Valley, donors and philanthropic organizations for years to come.”

Caldwell serves on a number of national and state governing boards including: National Council of Nonprofits, Independent Sector, Points of Light and the Michigan Community Service Commission. He also serves on several advisory boards including Nonprofit Vote Leadership Council, Council of Michigan Foundations Public Policy Committee and the School of Communication Advisory Committee at Western Michigan University. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University, where he studied organizational communication.

Established in 1992, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is an academic center within the College of Community and Public Service at Grand Valley State University. The center offers original research and expertise on the latest theories in the philanthropic field. The Johnson Center puts research to work, with and for professionals across the country. Through professional development services, courses and trainings, philanthropic tools, and more, the center supports effective philanthropy, building strong nonprofits and providing resources for informed community change.

For more information, visit johnsoncenter.org.