Community Foundation of Greater Flint names new VP of community impact

FLINT, Mich. — Lydia Starrs has been named vice president of community impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

As vice president of community impact, Starrs will lead the foundation’s grantmaking, scholarship programs, learning initiatives and community efforts throughout Flint and Genesee County. In this capacity, she will report to President and CEO Dan Kildee.

“Lydia has spent nine years earning the trust of residents, nonprofit leaders, and community partners,” Kildee said. “She understands how to move resources toward the people and organizations doing the work to serve communities in need.”

Starrs joined the foundation in 2017 and brings nearly a decade of service at the organization to the role. As a senior program officer, she facilitated community-led grantmaking focused on the health and well-being of Genesee County residents, directing approximately $1 million in grants annually.

“This community has shaped who I am as a professional and as a person,” Starrs said. “The organizations and residents doing this work every day in Genesee County inspire me. I’m honored to step into this role and committed to making sure the foundation’s resources reach the people and places where they matter most.”

Before joining the foundation, Starrs was associate director of enabling services at the Michigan Primary Care Association, where she led training and technical assistance for federally qualified health centers statewide. She also previously served as a community resource navigator through AmeriCorps at the United Way of Genesee County.

Starrs holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University.