Meet the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s executive leadership team.
President and CEO
Linda Smith-Wheelock, Linda has worked at the NKFM for 30 years, initially in patient services, and then later as the Chief Operation Officer. She became the President and CEO in 2018, has training in social work and business, and believes in servant leadership and the power of teams. “We have amazing programs and services to help people to reach their goals. The NKFM’s ability to sow the seeds for people with and at risk of CKD to live their healthiest and happiest lives means everything to me.”
President and CEO Emeritus
Daniel Carney, Dan is a teacher by training and chose to use his skills in education and fundraising to build and expand innovative programming at the NKFM. He was the President and CEO for 30 years. Under Dan’s leadership, the NKFM grew by 800% in budget size with a corresponding increase in people served through the NKFM’s important and often innovative programs and services. “The NKFM continues to support people with kidney disease and to help countless others prevent it. It is an honor for me to support the life changing work of the NKFM.”
Vice President
Charlene Cole, Charlene’s educational background is in engineering and business. After a brief stint in the automotive industry, she made an intentional move to the nonprofit sector in 2001 and has been with NKFM since 2008. She loves that NKFM is committed to serving people and helping them reach their highest health potential. She is also passionate about organizational culture. “I’m glad we do good things, but what I really love about NKFM is the people I work with who make those good things happen. I love the passion and commitment to carrying out and sustaining our mission.”
Vice President of Finance
Paul S. Metta, Paul has been with the NKFM for four years. Prior to this, he served in similar roles in senior living with a large integrated health system and a multi-specialty physician practice. “I look forward to leveraging our continuing successful financial performance to expand our prevention and education programs.”
Director of Employee Experience
Monique Lee, Monique has an executive MBA from Michigan State University and a solid foundation in business administration from Wayne State University, she brings over 18 years of diverse Human Resource expertise to the NKFM. Her journey is deeply rooted in her personal connection to our mission and admiration for our organization’s exceptional culture. Outside of the office, Monique treasures moments with her large immediate family, indulges in poetry and comedy shows, and cherishes making memories that last a lifetime. She’s driven by a passion for helping others and believes that it is her life’s purpose to commit her talents to employee experience.
Director of Policy and Programs
Crystal D’Agostino, Preventing the devastating impacts of kidney disease is deeply personal to Crystal. Having lost loved ones to complications from this condition, the mission at the NKFM is close to her heart. Before joining the NKFM, she had the privilege of working as a nephrology social worker, where she closely interacted with individuals living with kidney disease and heard their stories. These experiences drive her commitment to honor those affected by kidney disease, raise awareness, and provide meaningful services that seek long-term change, always putting people first.