DETROIT – The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) Board of Directors President Tanya Hill announced that Kimberly Burton has been named as the new CEO of the 40-year-old nonprofit.
With 25 years of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience across social services, philanthropy and fundraising, Burton most recently was CEO of Kimprix Enterprises, a consulting firm that she launched in 2023. Her accomplishments over the past two decades have included serving as the first CEO of the American Red Cross for the entire State of Michigan where she managed a $50 million budget and exceeded national metrics while leading more than 300 employees and 4,000 volunteers; launching the first Office of Culture, Community and Equity for the University of Michigan, College of Engineering; creating innovative business development strategic plans for state and national program initiatives and launching the first state-wide community partnership mentoring program for African American philanthropists at the Council of Michigan Foundations; and directing a $60 million foundation and corporate giving program for the Charter One Bank Foundation.
Burton graduated from the University of Michigan with both a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology. She has been recognized as a Notable Women in Nonprofits, a Woman of Excellence and by Detroit Public Schools with its Image of Excellence award. Burton is also a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXIV.
Burton’s appointment follows Saunteel Jenkins’ formal announcement on Tuesday that she plans to run for Mayor of the City of Detroit and is stepping down from THAW. Jenkins served as THAW’s CEO for 10 years.
“My experience has prepared me well for this pivotal role at one of Michigan’s most respected nonprofits,” said Burton. “I am looking forward to supporting the organization’s important mission of helping Michigan families stay healthy, safe and warm. We have a very strong staff in place and I’m looking forward to moving our work forward in exciting ways.”
“The THAW board of directors-led search committee began the process of interviewing candidates six months ago when Saunteel notified us that she was considering a mayoral run,” said Hill. “Our national search firm, Korn Ferry, has been instrumental in identifying strong and connected leaders with advocacy, fundraising, government and strategic planning experience. Kimberly possesses these skill sets and more.”
“I am so proud of our THAW staff, leadership and Board of Directors for how they have stepped up during this critical time of transition,” said Hill. “It’s not an easy task to replace a 10-year leader like Saunteel, but the systems, processes, relationships and leadership team that have been put in place under her leadership will ensure sustainability and a strong foundation for the organization’s next stage of growth under Kimberly.”
THAW’s mission to help Michigan families stay healthy, safe and warm continues to be the Board’s number one priority. The nonprofit organization’s scope of services has expanded from utility assistance only to also include other types of assistance for water, home repairs, energy efficiency education, and other wraparound services in line with the organization’s strategic plan of continued and controlled growth. Between July 2023 and June 2024, THAW paid over $8.6 million dollars in direct energy assistance payment on behalf of over 11,000 Michigan households. Energy assistance included heat, electricity and water. For families served by THAW, approximately 70% have either children, seniors or veterans in their homes.
Since its inception in 1985, THAW has distributed $235 million in assistance to over 331,000 Michigan households.
“Words cannot express our deep gratitude for Saunteel’s leadership, passion, and commitment over the last decade,” added Hill. “Her relationship building, organizational skills and culture-first focused approach to serving have been transformational for THAW. We could not be more thankful or prouder of her and we wish her well.”
