Donna Murray-Brown is a nationally recognized nonprofit and philanthropic leader known for her strategic clarity, inclusive leadership, and deep commitment to advancing equity and social impact. With more than 25 years of executive experience across financial services, nonprofit networks, and philanthropy, Donna brings a powerful blend of real-world expertise, facilitative leadership, and relational insight to her work.

Donna most recently served as the inaugural Vice President of Strategy and Development at the National Council of Nonprofits, where she led organization-wide initiatives to increase visibility, strengthen member capacity, and build philanthropic partnerships across a 55-member national network. Prior to that, she served nearly a decade as President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), becoming the first woman to lead the statewide organization. Under her leadership, MNA deepened its commitment to racial equity, guided Michigan’s 2020 Census complete count strategy, supported the nonprofit sector’s COVID-19 response, and expanded investment in leaders of color.

Earlier in her career, Donna held senior roles in the banking industry, including as Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Director at Citizens Bank in Michigan. Her journey into nonprofit leadership was born of a desire to align professional excellence with community purpose—values she now brings to her work as a thought partner, facilitator, and strategic advisor to mission-driven organizations through DMB Coaching and Consulting, LLC.

Donna currently serves on the boards of Candid, the McGregor Fund, Housing Partnership, Inc., the Speed Art Museum, and the Leadership Council for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. A first-generation college graduate, she holds a BS in Business Administration from Central State University, a master’s in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy, and executive education credentials from Boston College and Harvard Business School.