Gov. Whitmer Welcomes Leadership Transition in the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison, Celebrates Karen Aldridge-Eason's 21 Years of Leadership

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October 4, 2024

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Gov. Whitmer Welcomes Leadership Transition in the Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison, Celebrates Karen Aldridge-Eason's 21 Years of Leadership

The Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) is the of its kind in the nation, designed to create connections and collaborations between the Governor's office and philanthropic organizations.

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed Dana Linnane, who served as the OFL's director of planning and research, into the role of foundation liaison. She also celebrated Karen Aldridge-Eason's 21 years of service with the Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL). Karen is continuing to serve as a special advisor to the OFL through the end of the year to support a smooth and successful transition.

"Over 21 years of distinguished, trailblazing public service, Karen Aldridge-Eason brought people together to move Michigan forward," said Governor Whitmer. "Her inaugural leadership of the Office of Foundation Liaison set an example for the rest of the country on how to connect philanthropy and state government. As a nonpartisan entity, OFL embodies Michigan values in all its work to help every community thrive. I know the office is in good hands with Dana Linnane, and I look forward to working together to build a brighter future."

"Serving as Michigan's first foundation liaison has allowed me to make a real difference in how philanthropy partners with state government," said Karen Aldridge-Eason, Former Foundation Liaison. "The impact will continue under Dana's leadership in the next chapter of the OFL."

Karen was appointed the inaugural foundation liaison in 2003. Under her leadership, the nonpartisan OFL has helped multiple administrations work with philanthropy during pivotal times in Michigan's history.

Karen has served as an executive on loan from the Mott Foundation, part of the tri-part agreement between the foundation, the Executive Office of the Governor, and the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), which acts as the fiscal sponsor of and close partner to the office. A broad and diverse set of philanthropies from across the state-including its advisory committee-also support and work with the OFL.

"Karen's leadership has helped to foster trust and nurture relationships between the government and the philanthropic sector, and within philanthropy," said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. "She has shown that when we all work together on the issues that matter to people in Michigan, her impact is undeniable. The Mott Foundation has been pleased to support Karen's role as foundation liaison, and we're equally delighted to support Dana to continue this important collaborative effort."

"Karen is a stalwart champion for Michigan children and families. Her work serves as a model for the nonprofit sector and government on how public-private partnerships can lead to transformative, community-centered solutions," said Kyle Caldwell, president and CEO of CMF. "Karen has helped Michigan philanthropy address complex issues with equity-centered approaches, in times of crisis and beyond. Our communities, our state and our sector have benefitted from her tremendous leadership."

As the foundation liaison, Karen worked tirelessly to make a real difference in people's lives. Early in the OFL's history, she led the office's support for the development of the Michigan Benefits Access Initiative, streamlining access to public assistance programs for those in need of support and returning citizens. She also facilitated improvements to Michigan's childcare subsidy program, increasing access and support for families receiving lower wages.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Karen and the OFL served a pivotal role between state government and philanthropy, acting as a clearing house for sharing information and keeping each sector informed on efforts to support the most vulnerable communities and families.

With Karen's input, the OFL's advisory committee, composed of Michigan foundation leaders, began succession planning several years ago, with the intent of selecting a new leader for the office in 2024. Dana Linnane was hired in 2022 as director of planning and research, a position created to strengthen the team and serve as a potential pathway to leadership.

"Under Karen's leadership, we saw Dana take on critical work and lead with ease and passion," said Neal Hegarty, vice president of programs for the Mott Foundation and chair of the OFL's advisory committee. "This included leading the OFL's work on a Michigan population study, which ultimately resulted in the creation of a new office on population growth within the state."

Dana Linnane joined the OFL after more than a decade at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Prior to the foundation, she served as CMF's William C. Richardson Philanthropy and Public Policy Fellow, where she spent time working with OFL.

After 21 years of leadership, Karen plans to consult and serve her hometown of Flint through various opportunities. She also serves as a trustee on the board of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which is headquartered in Flint.

About the Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison

Michigan's Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison identifies and brokers innovative funding partnerships and strategic collaborations between the executive branch of state government and philanthropy. Created in 2003 at the suggestion of Michigan philanthropic leaders, the Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) is a long-standing, nonpartisan, infrastructure organization established to serve the needs of the communities in Michigan. To do that, it was set up as an organization with a fiscal sponsor and a physical location embedded within the state's executive offices. As a first-of-its kind organization, OFL is nationally regarded for its commitment to develop strategic partnerships between philanthropy and the executive branch of state government to create better outcomes for children, families and residents, particularly those most marginalized and with an explicit emphasis on equity.

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