The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) Board of Directors has named Kimberly Burton as the 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 Michigan where she managed a $50 million budget and exceeded national metrics while leading more than 300 employees and 4,000 volunteers.
She also launched the first Office of Culture, Community and Equity for the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering and created 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. He also directed 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 by Crain’s Detroit Business as a Notable Women in Nonprofits, by the Michigan Chronicle as 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,” says 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.”
 Board of Directors has named Kimberly Burton as the CEO of the 40-year-old nonprofit.){kind=link}