Nicole Sherard-Freeman, a powerhouse with 30 years of tri-sector experience, will step into her role as President of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan in January 2025. Her journey spans corporate, nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors, making her uniquely qualified to lead one of the top community foundations in the nation. This appointment comes on the heels of her significant work as the foundation’s Chief Operating Officer since July 2023, during which she has overseen nearly every aspect of the foundation’s operations, including its $1 billion public charitable endowment.
Sherard-Freeman’s track record is one of transformational leadership and innovation. Before joining the Community Foundation, she made waves in Detroit as the chief economic and workforce development officer for Mayor Mike Duggan. In that role, she directed an overhaul of the city’s workforce system, managing over $100 million in federal, state, city, corporate, and philanthropic funding. Her leadership saw Detroit’s economic development efforts secure more than $5 billion in real estate development, place over 40,000 adults into jobs, and ensure more than 70,000 youth received summer employment opportunities. As the president and CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, she doubled its revenue in four years while reducing reliance on federal funding by 21%.
David Provost, Chair of the Community Foundation, expressed the board’s confidence in her ability to lead the foundation into its next chapter: “Nicole’s extensive business, government, and nonprofit background, care for people, and problem-solving skills will support our community’s ability to thrive. We are thrilled that a person with her expertise and expansive network will lead the Community Foundation into the future.”
Her experience goes well beyond local impact. Sherard-Freeman has testified before both the U.S. House and Senate on workforce issues and contributed to national conversations around economic mobility and workforce systems. Public-private partnerships have been a hallmark of her career, driving innovative solutions that bring measurable outcomes to communities. Her leadership positions on national boards, such as the Urban Institute’s WorkRise and the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions Initiatives, underscore her expertise and commitment to systemic change.
Her appointment comes as Ric DeVore prepares to retire after nearly three years at the helm of the foundation. DeVore, who is credited with launching the foundation’s first strategic plan and championing key projects like the Detroit Riverfront, will remain as a special advisor through 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. Reflecting on his time leading the foundation, DeVore said, “I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead the Community Foundation for the past two and one-half years. The talent of the board and staff and the impact they and our donors make in southeast Michigan every day makes me proud to have served them. Nicole’s leadership will propel the work to the next level, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Sherard-Freeman’s deep roots in the Detroit community make her appointment especially significant. Her ability to connect large-scale initiatives with local needs has set her apart in every role she’s held, including her leadership of Detroit’s workforce investment board, which brought together more than 30 business, labor, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders to address workforce challenges. Her commitment to Detroit and its people remains central to her leadership philosophy. As she put it, “I am honored to assume the role that will provide greater support for the community where I’m from. Ric has been a partner and an ally in helping southeast Michigan be a place where everyone thrives, and I am encouraged by the board of trustees’ confidence in my ability to lead this organization and advance its good work.”
Her leadership at the foundation will encompass program oversight, strategic planning, and managing initiatives like the Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership, the New Economy Initiative, and the Michigan Justice Fund. She is also focused on maintaining the foundation’s reputation as a trusted leader in philanthropy while staying responsive to the evolving needs of southeast Michigan.
Sherard-Freeman’s accolades are a testament to her impact. Among her many awards, she has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business 50 Names to Know in Government and the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan. She was also listed among Axios Detroit’s 8 Most Powerful People in 2022 and the Michigan Chronicle’s Power 50: Most Powerful African Americans in Metro Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and has completed graduate studies in Organizational Development at Fielding Graduate University.
As the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan looks toward its future, Nicole Sherard-Freeman’s leadership is expected to drive the organization’s continued growth, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of support for nonprofits and a driver of economic and social progress in the region. With a history of excellence, Sherard-Freeman is poised to carry forward the foundation’s mission of making southeast Michigan a place where everyone can thrive.