Meet the Team
No one should face life's hardest moments alone. These are the leaders who make sure they don't have to, bringing vision, compassion, and commitment to every family Fund a Life serves.
Leadership Team
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Shevalla Kramer
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mark Howell
Mark Howell founded Fund a Life after experiencing firsthand the power of community support while navigating life-threatening cancer diagnoses. During that time, he and his family were surrounded by people who showed up in meaningful and practical ways. That experience shaped his belief that no one should face life's hardest moments alone.
In 2017, Mark launched Fund a Life to provide timely financial support and care to individuals and families facing unexpected hardship. The organization exists to meet real needs in real time, helping restore stability, dignity, and hope when it is needed most.
As Founder and CEO, Mark is the driving force behind Fund a Life's vision, growth, and impact, bringing people together, building trust, and ensuring the mission is carried forward with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
Shevalla Kramer serves as Chief Operating Officer of Fund a Life, where she leads the day-to-day execution of the organization's mission and ensures its work is carried out with consistency, intention, and integrity.
Drawn to Fund a Life by a desire to be part of something grounded in purpose, Shevalla quickly recognized the impact of meeting people in real time during life's most difficult moments. Her belief in authenticity and creating space for people to show up as they are continues to shape how she approaches the work.
As COO, Shevalla is responsible for driving operations, overseeing initiatives, and strengthening the systems that allow Fund a Life to grow while remaining deeply connected to the community it serves. Her leadership brings structure, connection, and momentum to the organization.
Executive Vision Council
The Executive Vision Council provides strategic guidance and leadership insight to help Fund a Life grow its impact and remain mission-focused ensuring the organization grows with clarity, courage, and care.
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Ed Koss
Ed brings a grounded, faith-driven approach to leadership and a deep commitment to serving others. As a business owner, he contributes practical judgment to the board. He is actively involved in his local churches and participates in mission work in Jamaica, carrying a belief in helping others step into their full potential.
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Mitch Howell
A Brighton native, Mitch walked alongside his brother Mark during his cancer diagnoses and fight, witnessing both the hardship and the strength of a community showing up. He brings a strong business lens to the board, helping guide the organization's growth with the discipline and intention needed to build something that lasts.
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Maggie Gibbons
A nonprofit professional and straight shooter, Maggie brings clarity and perspective to the work. Having witnessed the community rally around the Howell family during Mark's fight, she is deeply connected to the mission. Her experience at both national and local levels brings valuable insight to Fund a Life's continued growth.
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Stephanie Barnhill
Stephanie brings years of experience working alongside nonprofit organizations, with a focus on building relationships with teams and helping them get organized and grow in ways that support their mission. She brings a clear and steady approach to the board, helping Fund a Life stay focused, aligned, and moving forward.
Leadership Luminary Council
The Luminary Council is a distinguished circle of leaders who use their influence, credibility, and generosity to help Fund a Life grow expanding awareness, opening doors, and championing the mission locally, statewide, and beyond. Members serve as trusted ambassadors who help translate long-term vision into real-world momentum.
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Dustin Kuras
Dustin brings his strengths as a connector, strategic thinker, and leader to help guide the Luminary Council's growth. His leadership style is grounded, thoughtful, and rooted in faith, helping shape a council that leads with both purpose and unity. A graduate of the University of Michigan Dearborn, he is driven by a desire to build something meaningful for the next generation.
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Mike Cracchiolo
A second-generation police officer, Mike spent over 20 years in law enforcement, retiring as a Captain. After undergoing open heart surgery for a rare condition, he saw firsthand how much support from others matters in difficult seasons. He brings a clear, structured approach and a commitment to showing up when it matters most.
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Adrienne Knack
Having known the Howell family well, Adrienne witnessed Mark's journey and the growth of Fund a Life firsthand. She approaches this work with deep intention, placing importance on ensuring support reaches those who truly need it. A cornerstone of the Livingston County community for over 30 years, she remains actively involved in local organizations and service.
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Nate Maciag
Bio Coming Soon.
Interested in becoming a Luminary?
The Luminary Council is intentionally selective, built for leaders who believe generosity changes lives and are willing to use their influence to help hope travel further than it ever has before. If that sounds like you, we'd love to connect.