Flint’s Ruth Mott Foundation names next president

FLINT, Mich. — The Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees has selected Sue Peters as its next president following a national search.

Peters, currently vice president of community impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, will succeed Raquel Thueme, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 14 years with the foundation, including seven as president.

Peters will step into her new role on Nov. 3, and Thueme will remain temporarily to assist with the leadership transition, according to an Oct. 21, 2025 press release.

With more than two decades of philanthropic and nonprofit experience in Flint, Peters has been with the Community Foundation since 2016, focusing on grantmaking, community leadership and resource development.

“Sue’s deep commitment to community, equity, and place-based philanthropy make her the ideal leader to guide the Foundation in its next chapter,” said Maryanne Mott, Board of Trustees chair and daughter of the late Ruth Rawlings and Charles Stewart Mott. “We are fortunate to have her experience and vision as we continue our mission to work with the community toward a vibrant and inclusive Flint.”

Peters’ appointment comes as the foundation begins developing the next phase of its strategic plan, which guides community grantmaking, impact investing and the stewardship of Applewood, the historic estate of C.S. Mott.

“I’m honored to join an organization that not only listens to and lifts up community voices but also offers Applewood as a place of learning and gathering,” Peters said. “I look forward to leading an organization that integrates grantmaking with its stewardship of a historic community asset like Applewood as I continue to serve in the community I have called home for over 25 years.”

Earlier in her career, Peters was a program officer at the C.S. Mott Foundation. She later led the Flint office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit that bridges public and private resources, before joining the Community Foundation.

As president, Peters will oversee the Ruth Mott Foundation’s grantmaking, administration and community programs at Applewood.

Peters earned a master’s degree in policy studies from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Carroll University in Wisconsin. She lives in Fenton with her twin sons.