Content excerpted and adapted from a Michigan Health Endowment Fund press release. 

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund (Health Fund) announced last week that Neel Hajra, president and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) and CMF trustee, will lead the foundation as its next chief executive officer.

“The Michigan Health Endowment Fund has played an invaluable role in Michigan’s health landscape—particularly during this past year and a half, which has been difficult and transformative for so many Michigan communities, nonprofits, and health organizations,” Hajra said. “I look forward to working alongside Health Fund staff to continue to support Michigan residents through collaborative leadership and innovative, equitable, community-driven care.” 

Paul Hillegonds, CEO of the Health Fund and CMF trustee, expressed confidence in Hajra’s leadership and the Health Fund’s direction following his retirement. 

“Neel has been a brilliant leader for Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and he will be a wonderful fit to take the lead at the Health Fund during this critical time,” Hillegonds said. “His fresh perspective will be a great benefit as the foundation continues efforts to respond to the most pressing health needs in Michigan through the new strategic plan.”

Hillegonds announced his plan to retire at the end of 2021. Hillegonds guided the organization through its first five-year plan and over $177 million in grant awards.

Hillegonds and Hajra both serve together as trustees of CMF’s Board and as co-chairs of CMF’s Government Relations Public Policy Committee.

“This transition speaks to the powerful leadership depth in CMF’s community of philanthropy in Michigan. Paul Hillegonds and Neel Hajra, as trustees of CMF and CEOs of two premier Michigan foundations, are leaders grounded in community experience with visionary perspectives and demonstrated believers in the power of collaboration. As trustees and co-chairs of our policy efforts ─ and in many other capacities over the years ─ their guidance, innovative thinking and deep commitment to supporting thriving communities has led to lasting impact. We look forward to celebrating these two trustees in their next chapters and are grateful Neel remains in our CMF community,” Kyle Caldwell, president and CEO of CMF, said. 

Want more?

Read the full press release from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.  

Read the full press release from Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.