Kris Kewitsch

Executive Director

Kris Kewitsch is the Executive Director of Charities Review Council, helping to ensure the Council delivers on its mission to be an independent resource so people are empowered to make informed and thoughtful giving decisions so they can be more effective in helping charities advance their important work.

Prior to joining the Council, Kris worked in corporate philanthropy with Target Corporation, U.S. Bank, and Piper Jaffray, directing resources—both human and financial—to nonprofits across the country. Kris attended Gustavus Adolphus College, receiving a BA in Sociology and Anthropology. She has served on numerous boards, including the Corporate Volunteerism Council, National Council on Workplace Volunteerism, and the Volunteer Resource Center (now HandsOn Twin Cities). Kris was recently named to Twin Cities Business List of 100 to Know in 2017. She lives in St. Louis Park with her husband and three dogs.

(651) 328‒6970
E-mail: kris@smartgivers.org
Twitter: @kkewitsch

Abby Wellan

Nonprofit Services & Communications Manager

Abby Wellan joined Charities Review Council in 2012, and is currently serving as the Council’s Nonprofit Services & Communications Manager, where she supports nonprofits and assists with implementing the Council’s communication plan. Abby is an integral member of our Nonprofit Services Team, providing support and technical assistance to nonprofits as they go through the online Accountability Wizard® review process. Abby also coordinates the Council’s Nonprofit Strengthening Projects, which include the Strengthening Workshop series, and customized one-on-one support. As the volunteer & internship program manager, Abby also manages the recruitment, training, and supervision of Council volunteers and interns (both paid and unpaid).

Abby graduated with honors from St. Cloud State University, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, and three minors: Intercultural Communications, Human Relations, and Political Science. When she’s not partnering with nonprofits to build their organizational capacity, she’s traveling, both near and far, to learn and see new things.

(651) 328‒6972
E-mail: abby@smartgivers.org
Twitter: @abbyw675

Ian Cook

Nonprofit Services & Development Specialist

Ian Cook joined Charities Review Council in 2015 and serves as the Nonprofit Services & Development Specialist. Ian coordinates the Accountability Wizard^® review process and provides support and technical assistance to nonprofits as they work through the process. He also manages the Council’s individual giving and institutional fund development efforts.

Ian is an active musician. He works as a freelance composer and engraver of new music, and he sings in the National Lutheran Choir, MPLS (imPulse), and Aliro Voices. Ian serves on the board of directors of MPLS (imPulse) and serves in a leadership role in Aliro Voices. Ian worked for several other nonprofits before joining the Council, such as the Northfield Youth Choirs, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Minnesota Music Educators Association, and the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts. Ian graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, an emphasis in Music Theory and Composition, a concentration in Educational Studies, and a K–12 Instrumental Music teaching license.

(651) 328‒6981
E-mail: ian@smartgivers.org
Twitter: @ianacook