Search for Successor, Led by Co.act’s Strategic Advisory Board, is Underway
Contact:
Laura O’Connor
Senior Executive Counsel
VVK PR + Creative
202-360-2559
loconnor@vvkagency.com
Detroit, MI, 12.2.24 – Co.act Detroit, a nonprofit intermediary that accelerates collaborative action in Southeast Michigan’s nonprofit community, announces that founding Executive Director Allandra Bulger will be stepping down from her role effective December 31, 2024.
“Allandra has brought to her service as our founding executive director a proven track record for building transformative organizations,” said Laura Trudeau, chair of Co.act’s Strategic Advisory Board.* “Her visionary thinking and dedication have set Co.act on a strong path forward.”
Under her thoughtful leadership, Co.act has grown and thrived in its first five years, expanding its funding from one founding investor, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, to multiple funding partners. It has tripled its budget and nearly doubled its staff. Co.act has become an essential resource for nonprofits, providing access to critical resources, collaborative networks, and grants that center equitable funding strategies and practices. Since its inception in 2019, Co.act has distributed more than $6.2 million in grants to 177 organizations, many of which have a focus on supporting organizations led by people of color and women.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to hold the distinction as the founding executive director for Co.act Detroit,” said Allandra. “It has been an absolute joy to lead the high performing and committed team that has facilitated the co-creation of a resource hub where Southeast Michigan’s nonprofit and philanthropic communities connect and access the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to collaborate, innovate, and amplify impact. I believe that a solid foundation has been created to guide Co.act into its next chapter.”
Allandra’s decision to step down to pursue other professional opportunities comes at a time of stability for Co.act. The organization’s operations are sound, and momentum is strong for future initiatives. A robust transition plan is already underway, led by Laura Trudeau and the Strategic Advisory Board. The process began earlier this year with an organizational assessment, conducted by Detroit law firm, Clark Hill. The findings have informed the Strategic Advisory Board’s decision to first hire an independent interim executive director by the end of 2024, followed by a search for a permanent executive director commencing in early 2025.
Kelley J. Kuhn, president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, shared: “I’m so grateful for Allandra’s ability to build an impactful organization, and for Co.act’s entire ecosystem for supporting her transition and Co.act’s next chapter. I’m confident the transition plan, which includes identifying strong leadership in both the short- and long-term, will further her great legacy.”
About Co.act Detroit
Founded in 2019 by TechTown and investor Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Co.act Detroit is a nonprofit intermediary accelerating collaboration that alleviates systemic barriers to nonprofit growth, evolution, and sustainability for nonprofits. Its Strategic Advisory Board includes:
- Kyle Caldwell, President & CEO, Council of Michigan Foundations
- Meredith Freeman, Director of Alignment and Impact Investing, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
- Kelley Kuhn, Executive Director, Michigan Nonprofit Association
- Susan Musinsky, Working for Social Change, Former Executive Director, Social Innovation Forum
- Lesley Slavitt, Executive Director, Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Valley State University
- Laura Trudeau, Principal, Trudeau Consulting, LLC, Former Managing Director for Community Development, Kresge Foundation
Learn more at CoactDetroit.org.