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Beaumont
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Leadership Oakland selects new Executive Director
Leadership Oakland has selected Thomas Sommer to serve as the organization’s new executive director.
“Leadership development is critical to the success of the region. Leadership Oakland has a reputation for attracting talented and passionate people. I’m honored to serve as the new executive director and look forward to helping the program become even more meaningful and impactful,” Sommer said.
Sommer most recently served as the Senior Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations for Kettering University in Flint. He has more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
He earned a master’s degree in Public Policy and Public Finance from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.
“Tom has a clear vision to lead our organization into the future and ensure its success. We are confident he will strengthen Leadership Oakland’s reputation and ability to attract and help develop the region’s top and upcoming leaders,” Patricia Blount Board President said.
Sommer lives in Rochester Hills with his wife, Shani, and two daughters. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Area Association of Fundraising Professionals and is the Chair of the Mentor Program.
Leadership Oakland’s previous executive director, Nancy Maurer, is leaving the organization to start a leadership coaching and consulting business, Sonder Haven.
Maurer said, “I love Leadership Oakland and I’m excited for the future of the organization. At Sonder Haven, I will work with individuals and teams to provide perspective, questions and guidance to help people answer the question – what’s next?”
Sommer begins his new role at Leadership Oakland this week.
About Leadership Oakland
Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. The organization provides a nine-month Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region.
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