Our History

The Nonprofit Network began as a direct result of the expressed needs and desires of Jackson's nonprofits. Since the Nonprofit Network opened its doors in 1999, under the name Jackson Nonprofit Support Center, it has acted as a community collaborator and point of coordination for gathering and disseminating information pertinent to nonprofits. The Nonprofit Network further assists the nonprofit community through providing specialized management and governance services.

Founding Members

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Regina has been the executive director of the Nonprofit Network since June 2009. With twenty-five years working in the nonprofit sector, she has a full range of experience in fundraising, marketing, governance, management and grant writing. She has led Nonprofit Network from being a county specific nonprofit management support organization to a international resource specializing in capacity building, professional development and governance and organizational management.

Previously she was owner and principal consultant for Funkhouser Consulting, which specialized in providing support, guidance and consulting services to nonprofit organizations.
Prior to owning her own company, Regina was the Development Director for the Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale, Washington, the Community Development Director for the Child and Parent Resources in Tacoma, Washington and the Special Events Coordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Toledo, Ohio. Regina is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green Ohio.

Katena is a professional consultant skilled at helping diverse groups and communities think creatively and collaboratively together. She empowers people to translate conflict and differences into creative breakthrough. She is a management consultant with Nonprofit Network where she works primarily with initiatives surrounding diversity, inclusion and equity, communication and board governance.

Previously, she was in higher education where she served as an academic advisor and as the lead facilitator to Sisters of Strength, a service and leadership organization for women of color at Jackson Community College. While in her leadership role with the Sisters of Strength, Katena has supported, encouraged and assisted many women of color toward their efforts in achieving academic and professional success.

Katena has served on several committees related to strategic planning, workplace relations and diversity in her community. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and is a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University.

Coordinating member services and Nonprofit Network’s online presence, Beth brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. Most recently, she provided design and consulting services to many local organizations through her freelance work. She had the opportunity to work with both Regina and Diane, on a professional level through their previous organizations. In addition to consulting, for the last seven years, Beth has been an instructor at Jackson Community College, teaching courses in the graphic design program. Beth serves on the JCC Graphic Advisory Committee and has coordinated many projects for local nonprofit organizations while providing professional opportunities for her students. She facilitated collaboration for the design and photography needs of these organizations, and at the same time, helped to develop a sense of philanthropy in the students. Beth earned a BA in Professional Communications from Siena Heights University.

Originally from Chicago, Patrice became a permanent resident of the great State of Michigan in 1984, settling in Hillsdale County. She parlayed her administrative and human resource

skills from the private, for-profit sector into a long term commitment to the nonprofit sector. She has held positions as diverse as Legal Advocate for Domestic Harmony to Strategic Grants Officer for South Central Michigan Works! She is also a former Hillsdale County Director for Community Action Agency and the inaugural director of the Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County.

Along the way, Patrice acquired a wealth of training, facilitation and consulting experience. She has been certified as a trainer for the Bridges Out of Poverty model, the Community Leadership Development program of the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute, and is an authorized facilitator for the Stewards of Children, sexual assault awareness training through Darkness to Light. She also holds a Business Solutions Professional certificate through the Michigan State University School of Labor and Industrial Relations and a completion certificate for the Strategic Foresight system from the University of Houston.

As Nonprofit Leadership Coach, Patrice is focusing on the training she and Katena will be bringing for the advancement of the services to various nonprofit organizations.

Upon graduation from Michigan State University, Diane began a career in merchandising and retail buying with R.H. Macy & Co, Inc., in Kansas City, Missouri. After two years she was promoted on to Davidson’s, a Macy's division in Atlanta, Georgia, as department store group manager. A relocation to the Detroit area provided the opportunity for Diane to join Manufacturers Bank as branch manager. Her introduction to the nonprofit sector came through the Jackson Community Foundation, where she served as Grant and Scholarship Coordinator. Diane joined Nonprofit Network in 2010 and will assist nonprofits in professional development and best practices.