Carolyn Chin Watson is the Communications Manager at the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation where she aligns strategic communications with the organization’s grantmaking strategy, vision, and values.    

Carolyn is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to build safer and more equitable systems for all. Her professional background includes communications, engagement, media, creative direction, fund development, and nonprofit leadership. 

Prior to joining the Erb Family Foundation, Carolyn served as Chief Advancement Officer at MCHS Family of Services, a multi-faceted human service nonprofit organization. She led fund development and marketing and communications strategies and implementation. In that role, she had the opportunity to rebrand the 100+ year organization’s identity in tandem with its most significant period of program and impact growth.  

In her journalism and media career prior to moving to the nonprofit sector, Carolyn was Creative Director at Hour Media, overseeing Hour Detroit and several of the media company’s various titles. Prior to Hour Media, she was the News Design Director at the Detroit News. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Wayne State University. 

Carolyn was named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2022 Notable Women in Nonprofit. In 2017, Carolyn was named Alumna of the Year by her alma mater.  

Carolyn lives in Troy with her loving husband, her unstoppable daughter, and their three wildly unique cats. She chases natural dopamine and joy through indoor bouldering, traveling, scenic views, music, and spending time with her friends and family.