Tamela Spicer

Program Manager at Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy

Tamela (she/her/hers) is a white, cis-gender woman, who acknowledges her own privilege and works intentionally to not only call out white supremacy and racism in action, but to also dismantle its power in the philanthropic sector and the fabric of communities. As a certified executive coach, Tamela seeks to guide sector leaders on a path to discover how they can work within their own ecosystems to create community change grounded in justice and belonging.

Tamela has worked in the philanthropic sector for over 30 years. Her roles have included founding a boutique consulting practice, working as a regional development director for The Salvation Army, regional director for the Arthritis Foundation, and executive director for Flat River Outreach Ministries. Most recently she has served as a program manager for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in west Michigan where Tamela serves as adjunct faculty teaching strategic management and fundraising.

Tamela specializes in board development, change management, fund development, strategic thinking, and is particularly skilled in working with faith-based organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Bachelor of Arts in religious education and theology from Aquinas College, as well as a master’s degree in communications from Spring Arbor University.