Kelli Dobner is the Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at Samaritas, leading strategy and advancement for one of the state’s largest human service organizations, driving impact across affordable housing, refugee resettlement, behavioral health, and family services. She is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader and housing advocate committed to building thriving, inclusive communities across Michigan.
Under her leadership, Samaritas launched the transformative Neighbors Not Numbers campaign and secured over $50M in funding, including major investments in housing spectrum development. Dobner also founded the Detroit Refugee Network, a nationally honored initiative that connects housing to economic development through public-private partnerships.
A thought leader on housing as a social determinant of health, she champions policy change, corporate engagement, and investment in modular, workforce, and mixed-use developments that revitalize Michigan’s urban and rural infrastructure, positioning the state for significant population growth and industry expansion. Dobner has been featured in The Detroit News and Bridge Magazine and recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business for her innovation and impact.