Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Names Ric DeVore New President

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Board of Trustees announced that Richard (Ric) L. DeVore will become the foundation’s next president. DeVore starts in his new role April 1.   

DeVore brings extensive financial, philanthropic, and nonprofit volunteer experience. He was born and raised in Dearborn, Mich., and earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.  DeVore has 40 years of financial services experience. Most recently he served as executive vice president and regional president of PNC Bank in Detroit and Southeast Michigan.

He has served as a volunteer and on the boards of numerous local nonprofit organizations.

DeVore joined Oakland University’s Board of Trustees in July 2013, became board chair in 2016 and served in that at role until his tenure concluded in July 2020. He also chaired the local PNC Foundation, which focuses on improving education, living and working conditions in low-and moderate-income neighborhoods, and led PNC’s metro Detroit education and equity initiative to combat systemic racism and support the economic empowerment of African Americans.

“Ric is a proven leader who is the right person at the right time for the Community Foundation,” said James B. Nicholson, Chair of the Community Foundation and Chairman, PVS Chemicals. “His expertise and relationships in the community and business sector, paired with his passion for leading efforts to improve public education, advance racial equity, and expand entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for all, make him uniquely qualified to continue the Community Foundation’s commitment to improving life for all throughout the seven-county region. Ric has the depth of experience to lead one of the country’s largest community foundations with its many collaborative initiatives and relationships.”

DeVore said he’s “extremely honored” to be chosen for the position.

“Mariam Noland and her team have built a community resource that works to find a way to get things done,” he said. “Across our region, we have generous donors who want to make a difference. I look forward to working with the community, the staff and the board to continue to transform their inspirations into impact that lasts.”

DeVore succeeds Noland, the Community Foundation’s first and only president who will retire March 31. Capping a 36-year trailblazing tenure, she led the growth of the Community Foundation into one of the nation’s 30 largest community foundations. Under Noland’s leadership, the Community Foundation has secured $1.2 billion in assets and awarded more than $1.3 billion in grants to nonprofit organizations primarily in southeast Michigan.

“This is an exciting time for the Community Foundation,” Noland said. “Ric’s extensive experience in community partnerships blended with his business understanding and national and statewide relationships will guide him well as he leads the Community Foundation and its mission to make positive permanent change in our region.”