Shannon Polk, Executive Director of The Witness Foundation moved out of her role to take on a new assignment. She will transition into a new role as president and chief executive officer of Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Polk began her work at The Witness Foundation in October 2020 where during her tenure, she successfully raised $500,000 during the pandemic to fully fund the Fellowship program; a program she co-created and launched with four national fellows and two regional fellows. 

In addition, she formed a healthy team of dedicated Christians who established systems for non-profit best practices within the organization. Those structures included finances and fund development processes, program development, communications systems, and a board member manual with up-to-date organizational bylaws. While she is stepping out of her role as executive director, Polk will join the board of The Witness, Inc. as a new board member.

“Leading the Witness Foundation has been one of my greatest joys. The staff and board are truly committed to the uplifting of Black Christians and the development of Black Christian leaders. Black philanthropy and Black leadership development will always be ministry to me and I’m proud to have served in this part of the vineyard.”

The Witness Foundation has appointed Leadership Consultant and Diversity and Mentoring Coach, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson to serve as interim president while the search for a permanent replacement is underway. 

Robinson notes, “I am thrilled to continue the ground-breaking work that Shannon Polk has started as the first President of The Witness Foundation. This organization aligns with my life’s mission to serve as a credible witness of Christ’s leadership as I engage, equip, and empower people to live and lead on purpose. I am honored to continue this role in the interim where I can work with a dynamic team as we identify, train, mentor, and fund the next generation of Black Christian leaders.”

You can learn more about The Witness Foundation and its work at www.thewitnessfoundation.co.