Brad Coulter ’82

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Professional Background: Certified turnaround professional, non-profit and government accounting and federal funding expert; Albion College Distinguished Alumni; Notable Executive in DEI by Crain’s Detroit; president and CEO of Matrix Human Services

Brad Coulter is president and CEO of Matrix Human Services, a $60 million per year non-profit with 450 employees serving the City of Detroit, Michigan. Funded by over 70 federal, state and foundation grants, Matrix is deeply imbedded in the Detroit community providing Head Start pre-k education, teen counseling, and adult services such as workforce training, housing counseling, and financial literacy.

Brad comes from a business background having spent 13 years as a business turnaround consultant and before that, 14 years with Guardian Industries.  He is deeply knowledgeable on cashflow forecasting, employee and labor relations, building organizational culture, international business, and has experience in a broad range of industries and sectors. He is an expert in non-profit and government accounting, as well as federal funding. He also has obtained his Certified Turnaround Professional certification.

While at Guardian Industries, Brad spent eight years in Asia including five years living in India.  He has extensive experience working in developing countries that suffer from extreme poverty. This experience sparked his desire to work on poverty solutions in Detroit.

Before joining Matrix in 2016, Brad was the state appointed Emergency Manager for the City of Lincoln Park, Michigan. During his tenure, he was in charge of all city operations and finances. Brad focused not only on fixing the City’s cost structure, but also on growing revenue and, most importantly, restoring a sense of community in order to maintain and grow property values.

Brad grew up in Midland, Michigan and has a BA in Economics from Albion College as well as an MBA in Finance from Indiana University. In 2021, Brad was named a Notable Executive in DEI by Crain’s Detroit and in 2023 he was honored as a Distinguished Alumni for Albion College.