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
Arn Tellem
Vice Chairman, Palace Sports & Entertainment
Gretchen Davidson
Arts and Education Advocate
Carol Goss
Community Leader
Adam Levinson
Managing Partner and CIO, Graticule Asset Management
Jacques Panis
President, Shinola
Ryan Maibach
President, Barton Malow
Kelle Ilitch
Educator, Entrepreneur & Child Advocate
Bill Emerson
Vice Chairman, Rock Holdings, Inc.
The DCF Team
Punita Dani Thurman
Executive Director
Punita Thurman is the executive Director of DCF and works closely with the board to develop strategy and vision for the organization. She has over 20 years of experience working in both the private sector advising Fortune 500 corporations around strategy and organizational effectiveness and the education and nonprofit sectors. She is a recognized as a leader in both education and human capital strategy. She holds a BBA in finance and management from the University of Michigan and an MBA focused on organizations and strategy from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
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.
Maria Woodruff-Wright – finance and serves as treasurer for the DCF board.
Malia Xie – grant-making strategy and partner development.