Content excerpted and adapted from a Dorothy A. Johnson Center of Philanthropy press release and a Michigan Association of United Ways press release.

Please join us in welcoming two new leaders to our sector and to our Michigan community of philanthropy!

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center of Philanthropy announced that Lesley D. Slavitt joined as its new executive director.

A seasoned philanthropic leader, Lesley has worked in partnership with community stakeholders throughout her career. Having devised and guided initiatives addressing economic empowerment, arts and culture, pre-K–16 educational success, and disaster relief and recovery, she has an integrative understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

The Johnson Center shared that Lesley served as CEO of Fiat Chrysler’s Foundation, where she also led civic engagement, and spent 10 years at JPMorgan Chase, and legacy companies, advancing its corporate philanthropy and foundation impact. Lesley helped lead COVID-19 response initiatives for the State of Michigan, including working to close the disparity gap in communities across the state. She also previously served in administrative roles in social-justice-centered higher education and urban innovation organizations.

An expert on post-war reconstruction and the transnational effects of rebuilding on city development, she authored the war crimes tribunal report on the destruction of cultural property in the former Yugoslavia for the U.N. Commission of Experts and is an advisor to Belgium-based Eurocities on Ukraine reconstruction. She serves on the board of the Urban Renaissance Center.

The Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) recently announced that it appointed Hassan Hammoud to serve as president and CEO. Hassan steps into the role with more than 13 years of leadership experience working at United Way and 2-1-1, most recently as executive director for Michigan 2-1-1.

“Hassan has been a long-time supporter of MAUW’s mission, working diligently with partners across the state to ensure Michigan’s ALICE population is recognized and supported, first as a 2-1-1 team leader and most recently as the executive director of 2-1-1,” MAUW Board Chair Teresa Kmetz said. “We’ve seen Hassan’s professionalism, passion and dedication first-hand over the past decade and we could not be more excited to continue our work together under the guidance of his expertise and leadership.”

According to a press release, Hassan will be responsible for overseeing the development and execution of strategy, discovering new and innovative pathways for growth, and representing MAUW, and the local 35 United Ways it serves across the state, by promoting positive relationships with its many government, community and professional partnerships.

“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to lead the charge as we continue to provide Michigan’s vulnerable populations with the resources they need to thrive,” Hassan said. “Since the beginning of my tenure at Michigan 2-1-1, I’ve been inspired by MAUW’s drive to help those in need and create change on both the community and state levels. I’m proud of what our talented and ambitious teams have been able to accomplish together and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support those in crisis across Michigan.”

Before joining MAUW, Hassan held various roles at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, including serving as operations manager and director of community engagement and outreach.

On April 26, Slavitt and Hammoud will join our community of philanthropy for a special regional gathering in Kalamazoo as part of CMF’s 50th year-long celebration.

Slavitt and Hammoud will join Kelley Kuhn of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Ginna Holmes of the Michigan Community Service Commission and Kyle Caldwell of CMF for a timely discussion on the current needs of our communities and nonprofits and new opportunities on the horizon. Together we’ll explore what these leaders are seeing and hearing from their networks across the state, and the equity implications rooted in those issues. They'll also look ahead at struggles and solutions to support Michigan’s short- and long-term future.

The regional convening is open to foundations, nonprofits and sector partners and will be followed by breakout conversations and then opportunity later that evening for attendees to attend a cocktail reception, dinner and main stage program featuring Michigan policymakers. Learn more and register.

Want more?

Read the Johnson Center’s full press release.

Read MAUW’s full press release.

Learn more about the Kalamazoo 50th anniversary regional celebration on April 26th.