At its January meeting, the foundation board elected Sharlan Douglas as chair, Julie Lyons Bricker, vice chair, Howard Collens, secretary and Darian Neubecker, treasurer.
Douglas succeeds Tom McGannon, who has chaired the organization since its creation in 2019.
“Tom has led the foundation with passion, insight and kindness,” Douglas said. “He is a model nonprofit leader and I will strive to be worthy of the legacy he has left with the foundation.”
McGannon, who is the vice president-community engagement at Corewell Health Foundation – Southeast Michigan, joined the city of Royal Oak’s ROOTS committee in 2009. That committee coordinated and raised funds for city programs and projects including the animal shelter, commission for the arts, historical commission, library, Nature Society, parks & recreation, public safety and seniors. Those programs continue to be a priority for the foundation.
He led the conversion of the committee to the 501(c)(3) organization of today, setting up systems for financial management, customer relations and accountability
Douglas, who recently completed three terms on the Royal Oak City Commission, is also a founding foundation trustee. She is a retired public relations consultant.
Lyons Bricker continues in her role as vice chair. She is Oakland County’s chief sustainability officer. Collens is the principal at Collens Estate Law in Huntington Woods. Neubecker is the president of the Robertson Homes company.
