Daniel Kimmel, CMA

My name is Danny Kimmel and I am grateful to be part of the Mala Child & Family Institute community. I studied Accounting at the University of Michigan Dearborn and began my accounting career upon graduating in 2008. Over the years, I have spent the majority of my professional life in the automotive and steel industry, where I have had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles including Controller and Chief Financial Officer. My career has been rooted in building strong financial foundations, provide accurate and on time information to my team, supporting operational growth, and helping organizations thrive through thoughtful leadership.

Athletics have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Growing up immersed in sports and later playing basketball at the University of Michigan Dearborn taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and the powerful impact that strong leadership and coaching can have on individuals. Those lessons continue to influence how I approach my work and relationships. Currently, I enjoy golfing with friends, woodworking, and tackling DIY projects.

Mala holds a special place in my heart, and I have truly enjoyed watching the organization grow and the meaningful impact it continues to have on individuals, families, and the broader community. Mental health was not a common conversation where I grew up, and becoming more involved in this work has been transformative for me personally. Through this experience, I have come to deeply understand the power and purpose of mental health care and the importance of creating spaces where people feel supported, seen, and empowered.

I am a proud Detroit sports fan and, most importantly, a family man. Alongside my wife, I am raising four children, two teenagers and two younger kids, who give me daily motivation to be better today than I was yesterday. I strongly believe in continual growth, learning, and improvement, both personally and professionally, and I am honored to contribute to a mission that aligns so closely with those values.