The DCF Team
DCF is powered by a deep partnership between our board of bold civic leaders, the experienced Skillman Foundation staff and proven nonprofit partners.
DCF and Skillman share staff so DCF will naturally leverage Skillman’s deep relationships and knowledge in its investments.
The DCF Board
KC Crain
DCF Chair; EVP, Crain Communications Inc.
Tonya Allen
President and CEO, The Skillman Foundation
Pernilla Ammann
Advertising Executive
Phil Cooley
Owner, Slows BarBQ and Los Pistoleros
Gretchen Davidson
Arts and Education Advocate
Tiffany Douglas
Senior VP, Marketing Manager, Bank of America
Bill Emerson
Vice Chairman, Rock Holdings, Inc.
Carol Goss
Community Leader
Kelle Ilitch
Educator, Entrepreneur & Child Advocate
Adam Levinson
Managing Partner and CIO, Graticule Asset Management
Ryan Maibach
DCF Treasurer; President, Barton Malow
Jacques Panis
President, Shinola
Arn Tellem
Vice Chairman, Palace Sports & Entertainment
Jason Tinsley
Executive Director, JP Morgan Private Bank
The DCF Team
Jack Elsey
Executive Director
Jack Elsey is the executive director of the Detroit Children’s Fund. Prior to this role, he served as the chief schools officer for the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan, a district charged with turning around some of Detroit’s historically lowest performing schools. Under his leadership, EAA schools experienced student growth results that outperformed state averages. Elsey has also served as chief of innovation and incubation at Chicago Public Schools, assistant superintendent of Detroit Public Schools, and chief schools officer of Detroit Rising College Prep Schools. He began his career as a middle school teacher in the South Bronx as a member of the Teach For America corps.
Nick Karmanos
Chief Advancement Officer
Nick Karmanos serves as chief advancement officer, responsible for DCF’s institutional advancement and fundraising. Prior to joining Detroit Children’s Fund, Karmanos served as senior vice president of institutional relations for Karmanos Cancer Institute, where he raised more than $150 million over 16 years.
Lisa Laurin
Corporate Relations Officer
Lisa Laurin serves Detroit Children’s Fund as corporate relations officer, developing relationships with corporate partners and supporting the execution of major gift solicitation strategies.
Karry Dalton
Events Officer
Karry Dalton serves as events officer, responsible for planning and executing DCF’s fundraising events.
Additional support provided by the following Skillman Foundation Staff:
Natalie Fotias – communications and marketing.
Lauren Hawkins – finances and fundraising.
Paty Hinojosa – grant-making strategy and partner development.