The Kresge Foundation Board of Trustees today announced the re-appointment of Detroit nonprofit leader Saunteel Jenkins to serve on the private, national foundation’s governing body.

A lifelong Detroiter, Jenkins has dedicated her entire career to underserved populations and communities through nonprofit leadership and public service. She was most recently the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), a nonprofit organization that provides energy and utility assistance to Michigan residents in need. As a public servant, she was elected to the Detroit City Council in 2010 and elected Council President in 2013. Jenkins also ran for mayor of Detroit. She previously directed residential treatment at Mariners Inn, a Detroit shelter for men fighting addiction, and led national business development for Platform Learning, a private education company that provided tutoring services to at-risk students across the United States.

Jenkins earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit. She is active in energy justice and is the past board president of the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition. She also serves on or advises several Detroit and statewide boards, including United Way of Southeast Michigan, WSU School of Social Work; WSU Helping Individuals Go Higher (HIGH) Program; Henry Ford Hospital & Health Network, and the International Women’s Forum Michigan.

“We are thrilled to have Saunteel rejoin our board – her integrity, public service and nonprofit experience have been so valuable to our board deliberations, and we’re looking forward to having her back at the table,” said Cecilia Muñoz, chair of Kresge’s Board of Trustees.

“Saunteel’s deep experience in serving the needs of Detroit residents – both as an elected official and as a tireless advocate for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage – have shown to fortify The Kresge Foundation Board’s ability to give voice to the needs and opportunities of our home community,” said Rip Rapson, CEO and president of the foundation. “Her passion, her commitment, her integrity and her skill were sorely missed, and we feel ever so fortunate to have her back serving on our board.”

Per the foundation’s bylaws, Jenkins will serve an initial 4-year term as trustee. She joined the Kresge Board of Trustees in August 2022 and rejoined in October 2025.