McGregor Fund President Kate Levin Markel Announces Plan to Begin Leadership Transition, Will Serve Through End of 2026
Longtime foundation leader to conclude tenure following more than two decades of service, creating space for the organization’s next chapter
April 14, 2026 – DETROIT – The Detroit-based McGregor Fund today announced that President Kate Levin Markel will step away from her leadership role at the end of 2026. This deliberate and nontraditional transition process reflects a values-driven approach to leadership that emphasizes intention over urgency as the organization positions for its next chapter.
Levin Markel, who has served at McGregor Fund since 2001, and as president since 2015, will continue to lead the organization’s operations through the transition, ensuring continuity across its work, partnerships and grantmaking priorities.
“The McGregor Fund is stronger today because of the work we’ve done to evolve, adapt and stay grounded in our mission, and I believe this is the right moment to create space for new leadership to help carry that work forward,” said Levin Markel. “When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment to lead for a defined period of time. Honoring that commitment to both myself and the organization ensures it is positioned for what comes next and for continued evolution.”
In recent years, McGregor has made concerted strides toward centering racial and economic justice in every aspect of their mission and operations, achieving recent milestones that include: establishing grantmaking priorities that follow the lead of those with the most lived experience; approving the Fund’s commitment to anti-racism and integrating a racial equity and justice lens into all efforts; expanding their Miller Fellowship sabbatical program and emphasizing a focus on radical rest; engaging board and staff in continuous learning journeys toward racial justice; and increasing the Fund’s grantmaking budget beyond the five-percent payout rate minimum in response to the current environment.
Levin Markel has chosen to announce this transition at a moment when the Fund is realizing the benefits of its growing staff, strengthened relationships with grant partners and the community, and expanded grants budget. Because the process is not being driven in response to external pressures, the McGregor Fund board and staff will take a measured, transparent and collaborative approach, reflective of the values that have become keystones under her leadership.
In keeping with this approach, prior to this public announcement, the Fund’s grant partners, who remain central to its mission, were informed directly, reflecting the organization’s commitment to trust, transparency and relationship stewardship.
“Our relationships with grant partners are at the center of everything we do, and that does not change with this transition,” said Levin Markel. “Our approach has always been rooted in listening, learning and moving in partnership with community. We see our partners as essential to shaping our work, and preserving trust with the communities we serve will continue to guide every step of what comes next.”
With a long runway in place, the proactive transition will allow the organization to move forward with clarity and care while remaining grounded in its mission.
“Kate’s proactive leadership has left an indelible legacy at the McGregor Fund and across the broader philanthropic community,” said Joyce E. Jenereaux, chairperson of the McGregor Fund Board of Trustees. “We are deeply grateful for her vision, integrity and commitment, and we fully support this thoughtful transition. The organization is strongly positioned for its next chapter, and we move forward with great confidence in its continued strength and impact.”
The McGregor Fund will approach its next phase of leadership with the same care and intention that has guided its work, engaging staff, board and partners in shaping what comes next for the organization.
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ABOUT The McGregor Fund
The McGregor Fund is a private foundation founded in 1925 and based in Detroit. The founding mission of the McGregor Fund has been “to relieve the misfortunes and improve the well being of humankind.”
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