Samaritas Names Jody Waits its Chief Advancement Officer

Samaritas Chief Advancement Officer Jody Waits

Officer, a role previously held by Kelli Dobner, now the organization’s Chief Growth Officer.

Waits brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the role, including executive positions with Make-A-Wish Michigan and Starfish Family Services, as well as YouthCare and Pride Foundation, both in Seattle, Wash.

In her new role, Waits will be responsible for driving Samaritas’ philanthropic strategy, brand visibility, and external communications to fuel long-term impact in support of its mission and core service areas – affordable housing, child and family, mental health and addiction, and refugee resettlement. Waits will lead a dynamic team focused on fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and strategic communications.

“This role requires a collaborative and strategic thinker who brings bold ideas, measurable results, and a deep commitment to equity, dignity, and transformational community impact,” said Dave Morin, CEO of Samaritas. “Adding this level of talent, with Jody’s breadth of experience in philanthropic leadership, underscores our commitment to these goals.”