Sue Peters has been named the next president of the Ruth Mott Foundation. She brings more than two decades of philanthropic and nonprofit experience in Flint, most recently serving as vice president of community impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, where she specialized in grantmaking, community leadership, and resource development.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Sue said. “I look forward to continuing the Ruth Mott Foundation’s deep commitment to community engagement and offering Applewood as a place of beauty and learning to meet community needs.”
Sue joins the Ruth Mott Foundation as it prepares to develop the next phase of its place-based strategic plan, which guides its community grantmaking, impact investing, and stewardship of Applewood — the historic estate of C.S. Mott — maintained in accordance with Ruth Mott’s wishes.
Early in Sue’s career, she honed her community-centered approach while serving in the Peace Corps in Bolivia, developing relationships with residents to implement local solutions to local issues. The experience shaped her lifelong commitment to community engagement and sustainable nonprofit success.
Sue came to Flint in 2000 when she was hired as a program officer at the C.S. Mott Foundation. After seven years, she went on to direct the Flint office for LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), a national nonprofit that connects communities with public and private resources. At the Community Foundation, Sue was a member of the leadership team during the Flint water crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging residents to hear their concerns and ideas while working across sectors to address complex community needs.
As president of the Ruth Mott Foundation, she will oversee grantmaking and administrative functions, as well as the community programs delivered at and by Applewood.
Sue 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.
In the Q&A below, Sue shares what influenced her during her college years, her Wisconsin roots, her lifelong commitment to community engagement, and her life as a busy mom of twins.
1. Who was most influential in your career path?
Dr. Lester Salamon, my graduate school advisor, researched the role and growth of philanthropy and nonprofits in the United States and abroad. He also taught that partnerships between government and philanthropy are critical in responding to public needs. I use what I learned from him every day — whether I’m encouraging collaborations to meet community needs or analyzing policies to implement effective programs. He also suggested that I consider philanthropy for my first job after graduation, which is how I ended up in Flint and am now honored to serve as president of the Ruth Mott Foundation.
“Dr. Lester Salamon also suggested that I consider philanthropy for my first job after graduation, which is how I ended up in Flint and am now honored to serve as president of the Ruth Mott Foundation.”
– Sue Peters
2. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to read and spend time with my 14-year-old twin sons. I recently finished The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters and just started The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb. The boys enjoy arcades, anime, going to the bookstore, and eating ramen, so we try to do those things as often as possible.
3. What makes you laugh the most?
My family. Being from Wisconsin, we all have a dry sense of humor that not everyone finds funny — but we all think we’re hilarious, of course.
4. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I used to be a morning person, but now I like to sleep in on weekends because I have to get the boys to school at 7 a.m. during the week.
5. Who is your hero?
My mom. She grew up in a large family in rural Wisconsin without her own mother, who passed away two weeks after she was born. You would never know it, though — she never complains about her upbringing and is the best mom ever.
6. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To end poverty.
7. What’s something people would never guess about you?
I served in the Peace Corps in Bolivia — and I can dance the polka.
