In a step toward radical, equitable leadership in Michigan's nonprofit sector, Michigan Community Resources is eager to announce the promotion of two key leaders to the role of Co-CEO.
Alisha Butler and Shamyle Maya Dobbs bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision to their co-leadership positions.
Alisha Butler (née Opperman) joined MCR in 2014 and has served as Chief Program Officer since 2018. Alisha has been instrumental in honing MCR's strategic direction, strengthening operations and financial management practices and deepening the impact of programs for the nonprofit sector in Michigan. She has ensured MCR stays true to its commitment to maintain trusted relationships with clients.
Known for her deep commitment and candid approach, Shamyle Maya Dobbs has played a pivotal role in advocating for leaders of small nonprofits and grassroots organizations in Detroit and beyond. Since joining MCR as an intern in 2008, Shamyle has served as Outreach Team Manager, Chief Program Officer, and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2017.
Alisha and Shamyle worked together with other committed leaders to return MCR to operational stability following a financial crisis in 2017. Since 2017, through a tumultuous global pandemic and countless shifts in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Alisha and Shamyle have maintained a stable, consistent organization equipped to have a lasting impact on nonprofits and grassroots organizations looking to strengthen their capacity.
MCR's impact under Shamyle and Alisha's leadership goes beyond direct support and technical assistance with nonprofits to far-reaching, sector-influencing systems change.
In the last five years, they have led MCR in:
- Ideating and visioning for the creation of the Co.act Detroit center for nonprofit support alongside the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
- Advising the Kresge Foundation on the Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit grant program toward greater accessibility and responsiveness to community need
- Working alongside the Detroit Regional Chamber, Enterprise Community Partners, the Pontiac Funders Collaborative, and other philanthropic leaders to hone their programs serving community-based organizations
- Leading radical, collaborative alliances with nonprofit intermediaries across the sector, creating a culture of collaboration over competition with partners like MNA, CDAD, NEW, and Co.act
- Shepherding MCR's focus beyond direct service provision to nonprofits toward sector-wide systems transformation and sector leadership in equity-focused programming
The shift toward co-directorship marks an effort to distribute executive decision-making more equitably across the organization, and to create a de-centralized leadership model that allows for more sustainable leadership and succession planning.
"We are confident this will drive sustainability in leadership for the organization for years to come, both within and beyond Shamyle and Alisha's tenure at the organization," said MCR board member Robin Toewe.
Their values and shared leadership style rooted in authenticity, relationship building, and building trust with partners in all areas of the sector make Alisha and Shamyle an aligned and powerful team.