our team
kerrie blevins, mpa, principal
Kerrie formed Kerrie Blevins Consulting in 2012, as an opportunity to use her 30 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management to guide philanthropic institutions.
Kerrie’s philanthropic experience is deep and comprehensive. A skilled manager of private foundations for over two decades, she has managed both the operations and the grantmaking program of seven private foundations with asset sizes ranging from $1.5 million to $100 million. Her grantmaking skills are adaptive and she has designed effective programs tailored to the unique goals of each grantmaker. In addition, Kerrie has advised many foundations in the areas of governance, family and community engagement, and grant strategy.
Prior to her work in philanthropy, Kerrie held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations in the areas of fund development, finance and program development. Kerrie has served as a board volunteer for several nonprofit organizations, including the YWCA of USA. She is currently the president-elect of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Alumni board. She is an active volunteer with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Friends of Diamond Lake.
Acknowledged as a philanthropic thought-leader, Kerrie is passionate about improving the field of philanthropy. Kerrie has written curriculum and served as a trainer for Exponent Philanthropy, the Minnesota Council on Foundations, and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
Kerrie holds a Masters’ Degree in Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, with a focus on nonprofit management, leadership and philanthropic strategy. Kerrie completed accounting coursework at Metropolitan State University and facilitation training through the Institute of Cultural Affairs and the Humphrey School. Kerrie recently completed a course in Design Thinking at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
caroline linden
Caroline Linden is KBC’s Senior Program & Communications Associate. In this role, Caroline supports KBC clients in their governance and grantmaking by researching community trends, providing grants management and analysis, and implementing effective communications programs. Caroline has deepened her skills with training in grants management software, data visualization, nonprofit financial management and analytics, and legal issues relating to foundations.
Prior to joining KBC in 2016, Caroline supported the goals of nonprofit organizations by developing grant requests for a wide range of organizations, including those working in social service, youth programming, health care, and the arts. Caroline’s career includes marketing communications roles in wealth management and investment firms, where she earned a general securities (brokerage) license. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
emily dussault
Emily provides administrative support to all the functions of KBC. A skilled multi-tasker, Emily is adept at data entry and file management, and brings a high level of attention to detail to all her work. She is a leader in navigating new software and technology, and helps others to do the same. Prior to joining KBC, Emily worked in retail management for over ten years, where she implemented efficient organization systems and ensured quality service delivery in a fast-paced environment.
Emily also performs as a freelance actor and singer; careers that have furthered developed her time management and organization skills. Working in the performing arts community with nonprofits and other artists, Emily has strengthened her communication skills, specifically her commitment to clarity and confidentiality. She is acutely aware of and responsive to the needs of the team, helping to foster a supportive and professional environment. Emily graduated from Coe College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts.