The Pontiac Funders Collaborative is guided by three advisory committees—the Funder Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Committee and City-County Advisory Committee. These committees play a vital role in shaping the Collaborative’s strategy and grant-making, ensuring a thoughtful and community-driven approach to funding and impact.
Funder Advisory Committee
The Funder Advisory Committee (FAC) consists of nine members, each representing a foundation or organization that has contributed to the pooled funds supporting the Collaborative’s work. Guided by community stakeholder insights, FAC members actively co-develop shared goals and shape the grant-making strategy. Participating organizations commit a minimum of $100,000 per three-year phase and must align with the Collaborative’s vision, mission and goals.
Community Advisory Committee
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) consists of seven Pontiac residents selected through a competitive application process. Representing diverse community perspectives, CAC members draw on their lived experiences to help shape the Collaborative’s work. As active community partners, they provide feedback on grant proposals, serve as ambassadors and gather and share information at City Council District meetings.
Kevin Sanders
Student Coordinator for Communities In Schools-Michigan, Pontiac Site Coordinator
Kevin Sanders was born in Pontiac and has lived in Mississippi for 12 years and Pontiac for 26 years. “I love and appreciate Pontiac because it’s a community filled with talents and gifts from all backgrounds,” he says. “It’s a melting pot of opportunities.” Sanders enjoys taking road trips to cities across the country.
Davida Reed
Owner of Divine Twenty Six
Davida Reed was born and raised in Pontiac and has lived in the city her entire life. “I love Pontiac because it’s a resilient community where I can empower others, showcase creativity and contribute to meaningful growth through my business and volunteer efforts,” she says. Reed considers herself an introvert at heart who thrives in creative spaces.
Alex Resnik
Managing Director of the Flagstar Strand Theater
Alex Resnik is a native of Minneapolis, Kansas. His small-town upbringing taught him to treat everyone with respect and that everyone deserves the same chances in life. He is a proud father of two boys and loves being a part of their busy lives. He and his wife, Lindsey, moved to Pontiac 11 years ago and helped found The Center For Success Network. He was a founding board member there and currently has the honor of serving as its Board President.
Sarah Maria Acosta Ahmad
Healing and Community Justice Coordinator at Centro Multicultural La Familia
Sarah Maria Acosta Ahmad has a PhD in Progress in Community, Liberation, Indigenous and Ecopsychology. They were raised in and around Pontiac and have been a homeowner there for three years. “Pontiac is my favorite hidden gem,” they say, “the people, the cultura, the tenacity are all a gift!” Acosta Ahmad enjoys gardening, making herbal remedies at home and teaching workshops.
Sommer Dawson
Executive Director, Accent Pontiac and Founder of No Nonsense Fundraising
Sommer Dawson is a lifetime resident of Pontiac. “I love Pontiac because it is my hometown,” she says, “a place where I was able to learn and grow. I am hopeful that Pontiac can continue to provide opportunities for residents to learn and grow.”
Jose Ybarra III
Customer Experience Manager at Lynn Medical
Jose Ybarra III has lived in Pontiac for over 25 years and has been actively involved in the community since 2017. He has a bachelor’s in Advertising Management from Michigan State University. “I’m a third-generation resident of Pontiac” he says. “The city is filled with passionate people and powerful potential, it’s a community worth growing with.” Ybarra loves to emcee events, two of his favorite events being the State of the City and a robotics competition where Pontiac’s own team was competing.
City-County Advisory Committee
The City-County Advisory Committee (CCAC) consists of four City of Pontiac staff and four Oakland County staff, carefully selected by the Director of the Pontiac Funders Collaborative based on their alignment with the Collaborative’s goals. CCAC members provide valuable feedback on grant proposals and help shape strategic initiatives, ensuring stronger alignment with City and County priorities.
- Mike McGuinness, Pontiac City Council President and District Seven Councilman
- Deborah Younger, Economic Development Manager, City of Pontiac
- Lisa Campbell, Director of Grants and Philanthropy, City of Pontiac
- Sara Gold, Chief Partnerships Officer, Oakland County
- Khadija Walker-Fobbs, Officer, Neighborhood and Housing Development, Oakland County
- Dom Holmes, Director, Economic Development, Oakland County
- Teresa Mask, Director, Public Communications, Oakland County
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