FLINT, Michigan, May 23, 2016 – The Ruth Mott Foundation has named a new vice president and hired several new staff members to help drive the progress of its recently developed strategic plan to focus on improving quality of life for residents in north Flint.
Raquel Thueme, formerly program director, has been promoted to vice president of programs. In this elevated role, Thueme is a senior member of the leadership team and works closely with the Ruth Mott Foundation president to ensure all operations align with the Foundation’s priorities. Since her hiring in 2011, Thueme has been responsible for the program team’s development, implementation and evaluation of grants awarded by the Foundation.
“Raquel’s drive and dedication to Flint helped guide us into this new chapter,” said Handy Lindsey, president of the Ruth Mott Foundation. “She’s committed to making sure north Flint residents have a voice in our decision-making process and having her fill this new role is a perfect fit for the Ruth Mott Foundation team.”
Thueme previously served as president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. She also worked for many years in the health care industry in several executive leadership capacities. She has a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.
In other program team changes, Liz Delaney has been hired as learning officer and Elizabeth Jordan was promoted to senior program officer. In the newly created learning officer position, Delaney will develop a framework for measuring and reporting the Foundation’s progress against the goals outlined in its new strategic plan to focus its grantmaking resources in north Flint.
The Foundation has also filled an existing position and added three new positions at Applewood Estate, the historic Flint home of automotive baron Charles Stewart Mott, which is owned and operated by the Ruth Mott Foundation and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Malcolm Cottle fills the role of collections assistant, working with the Foundation’s director of collections & education to manage programs, archives and other activities at Applewood. In addition, Renee Saba has been hired to the new role of education & events coordinator, and Courtney Bean and Trevor Norman were hired as part-time visitor experience specialists.
Saba is responsible for developing and coordinating educational programming and events at Applewood and in the community. Bean and Norman are tasked with helping to coordinate tours and other activities at the estate while ensuring exceptional customer service to Applewood visitors.
The staff changes were implemented as part of the Ruth Mott Foundation’s new 2016-20 strategic plan. The plan was developed after a comprehensive community engagement process that led the Foundation to focus its grant-making activities in north Flint, an area with significant challenges that could benefit from concentrated resources. The plan also includes a goal to make Applewood Estate more accessible to Flint residents and the general public.
Other previously announced staff changes as part of the strategic plan include the addition of a community engagement officer and director of communications.