ABOUT DONAVAN

Donavan McKinney is a lifelong Detroiter. He was raised by his mother and grandmother who taught him the importance of community, leadership, and service. He is a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a graduate of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, with a B.A. degree from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

McKinney is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He worships and serves as a trustee at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Detroit. On Labor Day Weekend 2019, McKinney married the love of his life Shaunté, who is an attorney. In January of this year, the McKinney’s welcomed the newest addition to their family, a beautiful baby boy, Donavan II. McKinney is now running to be your next State Representative in Michigan’s 14th District, representing parts of northeast Detroit, Warren, and the city of Center Line.

McKinney served as a Legislative Director in the Michigan State House of Representatives. He went on to do community engagement work for a nonprofit called Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD). McKinney then worked in admissions and helped improve student life at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD). Soon after, McKinney did Political and Coalition work for the largest healthcare union in the state, SEIU Healthcare Michigan. 

Currently, McKinney serves as the National Political Director for Climate Power, an environmental organization that integrates hard-hitting research, polling, state/national & earned/paid media to influence the national conversation and embolden leaders to take immediate climate action.

In January of 2020, McKinney was appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the state’s first Environment Justice Council. Since serving on the Council, McKinney has advocated for a plan for water accessibility and affordability. McKinney was instrumental in Gov. Whitmer’s $2-Million Water Restart Grant Program and her statewide Water Reconnection Executive Order during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

McKinney is truly a dedicated public servant. For the past seven years, McKinney founded and organized a school tour called Young Minds in Transition. He brings together musical artists, entrepreneurs, authors, engineers, elected officials, and others to over 80 middle/high schools per year across the Metro Detroit area to speak with students about the importance of following your dreams, persevering, and mentorship. McKinney is also a 2019 graduate of the Front Line Leaders Academy (FLLA) through the Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network. 

McKinney currently serves on the Board of Directors for Bridging Communities, Inc. a nonprofit community development organization in Detroit that provides senior services and home foreclosure prevention programs. McKinney is on the Executive Board for southeast Michigan Jobs with Justice, where he continues to fight for workers’ rights to join a union and earn a living wage. McKinney serves on the board for The McKinney Foundation which hosts educational programs that help promote healthy living, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. McKinney also serves on the Executive Committee for the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) and the Executive Board for the 14th Congressional District Democratic Party.