Cinnaire President & CEO Mark McDaniel was recently honored with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Award, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening communities across Michigan and beyond.
Presented annually, the Legacy Award honors individuals whose careers have left a lasting mark on the Greater Lansing region. This year’s recognition reflects not only Mark’s more than three decades of leadership in affordable housing and community development, but also the collaborative approach that has defined his work throughout his career.
“I have never done this work with awards in mind, so this honestly means a lot,” Mark shared when accepting the award. “Lansing has been home for most of my life, and I have been lucky to work alongside people who care deeply about this community. I see this as a reflection of what we have all built together.”
Mark’s commitment to community leadership began early. Growing up, he was surrounded by people who stepped in when help was needed—without waiting to be asked. That sense of responsibility shaped his approach to leadership and service.
“Early in my career, I saw how stability—especially housing—can change the entire trajectory of a family’s life,” Mark said. “From that point on, service became part of how I lead, not just something I do on the side.”
That belief has guided Mark’s work for more than 30 years, from launching the Michigan Capital Fund for Housing in 1993 to leading Cinnaire’s growth into a national community development financial institution with more than $6 billion invested in housing and economic development solutions. Under his leadership, Cinnaire has expanded affordable housing, strengthened neighborhoods, supported workforce development, and invested in people and places often overlooked by traditional markets.
While his career includes landmark investments and organizational growth, Mark points to personal moments as the most meaningful—standing with families at Haven House, volunteering alongside neighbors during the Jimmy Carter Work Project, and working shoulder to shoulder with partners committed to lasting change.
Those experiences reinforce a core belief that continues to guide his leadership today.
“Do not wait for the perfect moment. Just start,” Mark shared in his remarks. “Find an issue that speaks to your heart and stick with it, because meaningful change builds over time. And do it with others. The work that lasts is always shared work.”
That philosophy mirrors Cinnaire’s mission and approach: pairing financial investment with collaboration, local leadership, and a long-term commitment to impact.
The Lansing Regional Chamber’s Legacy Award recognizes Mark’s personal dedication, but it also reflects the collective efforts of the many partners, communities, and team members who have worked alongside him over the years. Together, they have expanded access to affordable housing, supported economic mobility, and helped communities grow stronger and more resilient.
As Cinnaire looks ahead, Mark’s leadership continues to focus on what matters most—investing in people, strengthening communities, and building opportunity that lasts.
- Click here (page 18) to read an article spotlighting Mark’s achievements in the Lansing Chamber of Commerce Focus Magazine.
- Watch this video to learn about Mark’s lifetime commitment to the community.
