Joy Persall - Executive Director 

Joy Persall is the Executive Director of Native Americans in Philanthropy, which serves Native communities, Native leaders, nonprofits and the organized field of philanthropy and is the only organization whose primary purpose is to advocate on behalf of Native people in the philanthropic sector.  Previously the Associate Director of The Headwaters Foundation for Justice, she brings leadership experience in innovative community based grantmaking programs.  Joy was instrumental in the expansion of the Fund of the Sacred Circle, and chaired a $2 million endowment campaign for the fund that supports Native American social justice projects in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  In addition, she directed the Capacity Building program at Headwaters that provided technical assistance resources for grassroots organizations, and served as a bridge between the grassroots and philanthropic communities.

Persall holds a degree in Multi-cultural Nonprofit Management and has participated in Rapport Leadership International, World Institute for Action Learning and NTL Institute Trainings.

Joy has received an Emerging Philanthropic Leaders Fellowship from the National Council of Foundations and a Windcall Residency Award.  She has served on the boards of Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action, Take Action Minnesota, The Funding Exchange, National Network for Grantmakers, Charities Review Council, and Third Millenium Philanthropy & Leadership Initiative of The Center on Philanthropy, currently serving on Indiana University's Board of Visitors.  Persall serves as Board Chair of Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center.

Joy is Ontario Aniishinabe - French Canadian, mother, grandmother, and has committed her work and life to raising awareness of issue of diversity and inclusion and working for justice and equity.  Email Joy at:  jpersall@nativephilanthropy.org

David Cournoyer - Director of Resource and Program Development

David Cournoyer is the Director of Resource and Program Development for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  David has worked in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector for nearly 15 years in communications, education and leadership development roles.  At the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, he provided communications expertise to youth and education initiatives.  At Lumina Foundation for Education, David served as program director, chairing the foundation's largest grants management team and leading the launch of the KnowHow2Go Campaign to raise awareness about preparing for college.  In his most recent philanthropic role, David managed leadership programs as a program officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation.  Over the years, David has been active in Grantmakers for Education and co-chaired the 2007 annual conference.

Previously, David served as external affairs director at the American Indian College Fund, a national organization that supports tribal colleges and universities.  Prior to his nonprofit work, David worked in television journalism for a decade, including stints at the Fox News Channel, CBS News, and KARE-TV in Minneapolis.  David currently serves as board secretary of Native American Public Telecommunications, a national organization that supports development of Native multimedia content.  From 2005-2008 he served as board chair of Native Americans in Philanthropy.  An enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, David and his family reside in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Email David at:  dcournoyer@nativephilanthropy.org

Daniel Lemm - Accounting and Office Manager

Daniel Lemm is the Accounting and Office Manger for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  Formerly the Finance Director for the Lower Sioux Indian Community and independent consultant as a Certified Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, he has proven ability to develop and implement effective policies and procedures, lead staff, analyze and present information, as well as maintain a high level of organizational and personal integrity.  Daniel currently serves as the board treasurer of the Tiwahe Foundation and also serves on the boards of Ain Dah Yung and the American Indian Family Center.  Daniel has a B.S. in Business Finance and is an enrolled member of the Lower Sioux Indian Community.  Email Daniel at:  dlemm@nativephilanthropy.org

Yohantus Elaine Stephens - Director of Development and Communications

Yohantus Elaine Stephens is the Director of Development for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  She began her philanthropy career as a clerical volunteer for the March of Dimes.  At the March of Dimes, she used her creative relationship building skills to foster relationships with key corporate donors to support high-profile events such as the Tribute Salute Dinner honoring producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and Celebrity Ski Bum Tournament.  Since then Ms. Stephens has gained over 10 years experience in non-profit and philanthropic organizations in the arts, community and program development.  Working at the Clark County Neighborhood Justice Center, she co-developed and trained mediators and developed new programmatic strategic partnerships including the Native American Tribal Center and others.  Most recently, Ms. Stephens, was elected to serve on Board of Directors of the Arts High Alumni Association working with three major stakeholders Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), Arts High School, and the Arts High Foundation navigating delicate political relationships to achieve multiple objectives with competing priorities. She was responsible for a wide range of development duties, including networking with corporate and individual donors including the development and production of the first Hollywood Tribute Event honoring Grammy-winner Josh Groban and Warner Brothers; an event that raised the highest and greatest number of donors and sponsors of prior year events.  Email Elaine at:  yestephens@nativephilanthropy.org

Doug Cook - Membership and Administrative Associate

Doug Cook is the Membership and Administrative Associate for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  Doug was recruited through an internship program at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities to work on the membership directory and continues to work part-time.  Currently a Junior, he is majoring in American Indian Studies.  Since 2007, Doug has served as the co-chair of the American Indian Student Cultural Center and as the student liason to the Council of Elders at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Doug is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation.  Email Doug at: dcook@nativephilanthropy.org