Co.act Detroit Welcomes Ezekiel Harris as Executive Director

Co.act Detroit is entering a new chapter of leadership and collaboration. Following a thoughtful and inclusive search, the nonprofit hub has named Ezekiel Harris as its next executive director.

Outgoing interim executive director Kourtney Neloms will remain on staff until November 14th. “Through major transitions, Co.act has strengthened its focus and readiness to serve the region.” Neloms said.  “I’m grateful to our staff, board, and partners—and I’m confident Ezekiel will carry this work forward with energy and care.”

Harris brings more than a decade of experience leading community‑centered initiatives across nonprofit strategy, real‑estate development, and workforce equity. In Detroit, he has guided projects that create opportunity, strengthen neighborhood infrastructure, and ensure equity stays at the center of the work. His track record of forging partnerships across philanthropy, nonprofits, and civic institutions and his deep roots in Detroit made him the standout choice for Co.act’s board and search committee.

“Co.act has established itself as a trusted bridge between funding and impact,” Harris said. “I’m looking forward to working with our partners to deepen that role through strengthening infrastructure, advancing equity, and building programs that reflect the resilience and innovation of Detroit’s nonprofit sector.”

Since its launch in 2019 by TechTown and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Co.act has grown rapidly. The organization has tripled its budget, nearly doubled its staff, and distributed more than $6.2 million in grants to 177 organizations — many led by people of color and women. Co.act’s programs like the Nonprofit Wellbeing Series and Co.Lab Connect providing mental‑health support, capacity‑building workshops, and sharing tools so nonprofit leaders can collaborate and innovate.

This transition comes as Co.act moves toward long-term sustainability. Recently, the organization established an independent Board of Directors and transitioned to a new fiscal sponsor, the Michigan Nonprofit Association. The board is welcoming three new philanthropic and nonprofit leaders including Kimberly Faison (Detroit Future City), Temeca Simpson (Ballmer Group), and Sean White (Michigan Central Innovation District) — who collectively bring extensive experience in community development, philanthropy, and systems change. The founding six-person board led the executive search process and will continue to guide and support Harris’s leadership and strategic direction.

Board chair Laura Trudeau noted that Harris’s appointment is a “forward-looking moment” as Co.act evolves from its start‑up phase into long‑term governance. “His ability to build relationships across philanthropy, nonprofits, and civic institutions will guide Co.act’s future as a catalyst for collaboration,” Trudeau said.

As Executive Director, Harris will oversee Co.act’s core programs and partnerships, working with the board and staff to launch new initiatives that support sector resilience and innovation. The organization will continue to invest in capacity-building, community wellbeing, and collective learning. Co.act remains rooted in its mission to accelerate collaboration and alleviate systemic barriers to nonprofit growth and sustainability, and Harris’s leadership marks an important step in that ongoing journey.