Ruth Mott Foundation President Retires After 14 Years of Leadership

In April 2025, Ruth Mott Foundation President Raquel Thueme announced her intent to retire, paving the way for a new leader to carry out the Foundation’s next strategic plan. With profound gratitude for her 14 years in leadership — seven years as president — the Board of Trustees accepted her well-deserved retirement and wished her well on her next chapter.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Raquel. Her vision, competence, and commitment to building meaningful relationships with the community have left an indelible mark on this organization,” said Maryanne Mott, board chair and daughter of the late Ruth Rawlings and Charles Stewart Mott. “We are deeply grateful for the passion and strategic insight she brought to us and are confident that her legacy will continue to guide us in the future.”

Under Thueme’s leadership, community engagement, Trust-Based Philanthropy, and equity emerged as essential features of the Foundation’s 10-year strategic plan. Thueme also oversaw the implementation of a new theme of civic engagement for community programs at Applewood, the historic Flint estate of automotive pioneer C.S. Mott.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve the community, work alongside such talented and passionate individuals, and help guide the organization through transformative change,” Thueme said. “I am deeply proud of all that we have accomplished during my time at the Ruth Mott Foundation. While I will miss the daily interactions and challenges, I look forward to seeing the Foundation continue its work toward a just and equitable Flint.”