Ruth Mott Foundation president to retire after 14 years

FLINT, Mich. — Ruth Mott Foundation President Raquel Thueme will retire this fall after 14 years with the organization.

Thueme joined the Foundation in 2011 as program director, was promoted to vice president of programs in 2016 and became president in November 2018.

She will remain in the role until Sept. 30 or until a successor is appointed, whichever comes first.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Raquel,” said Maryanne Mott, board chair and daughter of the late Ruth Rawlings and Charles Stewart Mott. “Her vision, competence, and commitment to building meaningful relationships with the community have left an indelible mark on this organization.”

A Ruth Mott Foundation press release on April 1, 2025, highlighted Thueme’s key role in integrating community engagement, trust-based philanthropy and equity into the Foundation’s 10-year strategic plan.

“I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished during my time at the Ruth Mott Foundation,” Thueme said. “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.”

Before joining the Ruth Mott Foundation, Thueme served as president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit and as vice president at Trinity Health in Novi.

Her retirement coincides with a pivotal moment for the Foundation, as it prepares for its next strategic planning phase.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Foundation will gather input from Flint residents through community forums in April and May.