Dawne Bell is a nonprofit leader with 20+ years of experience in education, healthcare, housing, and community and economic development. The inaugural Executive Director of Economic Development and Public-Private Partnership at Grand Valley State University, she previously served as the CEO of Michigan's Early Childhood Investment Corporation and has held leadership roles in organizations in Arizona, Michigan, New York City, and New Mexico.

Dawne has served on numerous community boards, including the Cherry Health Foundation board, and has raised over $80 million throughout her career. She is a frequent speaker to organizations, facilitating training workshops on nonpartisan advocacy and board engagement. Dawne has an MPA from Grand Valley State University and a BA from Kalamazoo College. Alumnus of the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University, she has held the CFRE credential since 2009. Dawne lives in Grand Rapids, MI, with her husband and their incredibly curious four-year-old son.