WHO WE ARE
OUR BOARD
Claire Sheldon
(she/her/hers)
CHAIR
A Senior Manager at Plante Moran, Claire works with clients to understand their real estate and facilities needs. She has 15+ years of procurement and industry experience, working with companies in manufacturing and beyond. She is also a member of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and is a Certified Professional in Supply Management. Outside of work, Claire’s kept busy with her husband, kids, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In her free time, she enjoys ballet, yoga, coaching soccer, traveling and organic gardening.
Ebony Robinson
(she/her/hers)
TRUSTEE
A recognized leader and coveted thought partner, Ebony is a Director with CCS Fundraising, a strategic fundraising firm based in NYC. In that role, Ebony has the privilege to partner with nonprofits, across the Midwest and South, for transformational change. Passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, she serves on two working groups at CCS to celebrate diversity and individuality. Ebony resides in Washtenaw County with her children and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Emily Heintz
(she/her/hers)
TRUSTEE
An advocate for diverse business communities, Emily is a leader in curating landscape analyses. In 2018, she launched EntryPoint, a research firm whose insights and data-driven programs promote entrepreneurship. As Founder and Managing Director, she shares research insights, diversifies economies, and designs programs. Emily’s accomplishments have earned her recognition in Forbes, Axios, and Crain’s “40 Under 40.” She lives in Ann Arbor, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two (2) sons.
Lila Asante-Appiah
(she/her/hers)
TRUSTEE
Lila is an intuitive, results-focused Executive and Certified Professional Coach. She currently serves as NEW’s Board Chair and the Chief Administrative Officer for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). She’s also the President and Cofounder of Purposeful Pursuits – a nonprofit that supports women as leaders. Lila believes that intention is key to developing and cultivating talent-driven organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Organizational Development, both from Roosevelt University.
Matt Hylant
(he/him/his)
TRUSTEE
Matt is the President of Hylant’s Ann Arbor office. Hylant is a full service insurance firm with operations across the Midwest and Southeast United States. Matt’s responsible for the day-to-day operations, along with setting the vision for strategic growth. Prior to joining Hylant, he served as a Project Manager for Epic Systems. Matt is also engaged with other local nonprofits, including United Way of Washtenaw County and Potter’s House School. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters.
Nicole Cole
(she/her/hers)
SECRETARY
As a Manager at Plante Moran Trust, Nicole has 20+ years of experience serving clients in the banking and financial services industry, specializing in trusts, estates, private foundations, and family office services. Nicole also oversees the business unit’s strategic projects and initiatives. Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, she currently serves as the leadership advisor to PM’s African-American Staff Resource Group. Nicole resides in Livonia, MI and enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Pat Rinvelt
(she/her/hers)
TREASURER
Pat Dill Rinvelt brings over twenty (20) years of leadership experience and board service to her role as NEW’s Board Treasurer. She served as the Executive Director of the National Network of Depression Centers, and chaired the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission. She also held an adjunct teaching role at Eastern Michigan University, and served as Senior Vice President at Thomson Reuters. Since retiring in 2023, Pat happily spends her time traveling, volunteering, and tackling long neglected house projects.
Perry Ohren
(he/him/his)
TRUSTEE
Perry Ohren has been in the social sector since 1984. He’s currently CEO of Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit, a position he’s held since 2011. Over the past eight years, he’s gotten to know NEW in a client capacity. Now, he’s excited to join our board and steward our mission. Perry joins us with extensive experience on nonprofit boards. He’s also served on the boards of Metro In-Home Solutions and KADIMA, to name a few. Having grown up in Cincinnati, Perry now has three young adult children and lives in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Yodit Mesfin Johnson
(she/her/hers)
PRESIDENT & CEO
As President & CEO, Yodit stewards our bold vision, strategic direction and overall operations. Yodit is a mother, poet, strategist, and champion for social change. She first joined NEW as a consultant in 2008, and became CEO in 2020. Yodit thrives in building community around the questions that matter most. How can we unlock the potential and possibility needed to radically transform our communities? How can we honor the ecosystem and the whole? How must we design and act in ways to bend the long arc of history towards balance and harmony?