Mary Lyons-Richards will become vice president of administration for the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation on January 1, 2024. She will manage the Foundation’s overall operations, including human resources programs, governance, finance, information technology, and grants administration. She will also work with the Foundation’s president and vice president of programs to deliver a quality work environment and benefits program and will serve as secretary and treasurer of the Board of Directors. 

In her previous role, Mary was director of Foundation administration and managed the Foundation’s sustainable business grants. She started at the Erb Family Foundation in 2016 as grants and office manager where her dedicated leadership and impressive results were quickly recognized, leading to jobs with ever-increasing responsibility. 

Before joining the Foundation, Mary began her career in the nonprofit sector, working in volunteer management, administration, and grants management at community development organizations. 

Mary holds a B.S. in Geography & Planning and Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University, as well as a professional certificate from Greenbiz in sustainable business practice. When she’s not working, Mary enjoys venturing on Belle Isle with her daughter, trying new Detroit restaurants with her husband, and traveling with friends and family.