Northern Michigan University alumnus Phil Gilchrist is the new executive director of Advancing Macomb, a nonprofit organization that convenes resources to solve community challenges and enrich the lives of Macomb County residents. His role involves program oversight, financial administration, strategic planning and execution, marketing and public relations.
The 2005 bachelor of fine arts (BFA) graduate has an extensive background in nonprofit management, fundraising and community development. He previously served as executive director of the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens, where he secured funding for new and innovative programming and grew the organization from a small, hyper-local community art center to a regional anchor arts institution. He also served as a development specialist for Pewabic in Detroit and as director of operations at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.
“There are tremendous opportunities for Advancing Macomb to grow and strengthen its nonprofit capacity building and community development efforts,” said Gilchrist in the official announcement. “I am excited to lead Advancing Macomb into this next chapter.”
Gilchrist serves as a founding board member and the first president of Macomb County Pride, as well as a member and former president of the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club. He also serves on several boards, including the Macomb County Art Institute Authority, the Mount Clemens Downtown Develop Authority, and CultureSource.
In addition to his NMU degree, Gilchrist holds a Master of Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management from Wayne State University in Detroit.