Jim Boyle has served as the Vice President of Programs and Communications for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation since its earliest inception in 2016. In his role, Jim oversees several of the grantmaking and initiatives for Youth Sports & Recreation; Parks, Trails, & Green Design; Entrepreneurship & Economic Development; and Nonprofit Support & Innovation; in addition to Communications for the Foundation. He brings over 25-years of experience in strategy design, grantmaking and communications to the work.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day grantmaking, Jim has spearheaded the implementation of several larger-scaled projects and programs, and can attests to the power of cross-collaboration to catalyze community centered, big picture visions. Through his work with projects such as Western New York’s Regional Revitalization Partnership, a $300 million private and public regional economic development

co-investment strategy; Don’t Retire Kid (in partnership with ESPN), a critically acclaimed public awareness campaign on youth sports attrition rates; and Built to Play, a $16 million cross-collaborative partnership to build over 100 innovative play spaces; he has championed the regions the Foundation serves by supporting community input and coalition building to creating long-lasting positive impact.

Known for his energy and creativity when approaching his work, Jim has harmonized dynamic partnerships, initiatives, and passion projects across the region for decades. Prior to the Foundation, he served as senior program officer at the New Economy Initiative (NEI), the largest philanthropic led economic development initiative in the country. Heralded as one of the most impactful economic development initiatives to date, Jim spent his tenure at NEI driving grantmaking strategy, culture change, and promotions for the project. He has also served as vice president of integrated marketing at lovio george | communications + design, guiding integrated and strategic programs for many key Detroit organizations and projects. In addition, he also served as marketing director for the Detroit Institute of Arts and as marketing manager at the Detroit Public Library.

Most of Jim’s free time is spent with his wife Mary chasing down his three 20-something-ish kids. He is a proud resident of Detroit, and a proud Spartan with a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University. Jim has long been tied to various creative communities in Michigan, including his current outside venture as founder of 53North, a project where Detroit-area artists create large-scale installations, mainly using barns, in his hometown of Port Austin, Michigan.

Maura Dewan joined the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2016 and currently serves as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs. In this role, Maura leads internal and external affairs, serving as a strategic partner in achieving organizational goals. She is actively involved in human capital development, project management, policy administration oversight, and trustee relations. Maura has been integral in designing the fellows program, contributing to rural strategy, and building relationships with state and local governments. As a board member of the New York Funders Alliance, she remains committed to staying informed and engaged in the philanthropic community.

Through her years of experience, Maura firmly believes that philanthropy plays a crucial role in investing in moments that create change and serve as difference-makers. Her commitment lies in finding opportune moments to drive change, learn, and adjust strategies across all focus areas and initiatives. Her guiding principles emphasize the importance of listening, partnership, and building trust in philanthropic work.

Outside the office, Maura, a proud Spartan with a degree from Michigan State University, enjoys family time, exploring national parks, and attending sporting events in East Lansing.

David Egner is the President and CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, a Detroit-based organization built upon the ideals of innovation, teamwork, and outcomes. The visionary responsible for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills franchise, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., set up the Foundation with a limited lifespan that must spend down by January 2035. The Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in the seven-county region of Mr. Wilson’s hometown of Southeast Michigan and the nine-county region of Western New York, the home of his beloved Buffalo Bills. Priority areas for the Foundation include Active Lifestyles; Preparing for Success in Early Childhood, Afterschool, and Young Adults and Working Families; Entrepreneurship and Economic Development; Caregivers; and Nonprofit Support & Innovation

Egner has long been a well-known figure and leader in Michigan philanthropy – from his early years as an executive assistant to the chair at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, to guiding the Michigan Nonprofit Association, a Lansing-based coalition, through its founding and early development. Prior to leading the Wilson Foundation, Egner was President and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation for 19 years, often considered one of the organizations behind driving transformation of Midtown and Downtown Detroit. From 2009-2015, Egner also served as Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative (NEI), the largest philanthropic led economic development initiative in the country. NEI is recognized for its inclusive approach to economic development, generating nearly $3 billion in economic impact during Egner’s tenure, while seeing minority business starts assisted by the program exceed more than 2.5X the national average.

Egner’s approach to grantmaking is based on the ideal that the empowerment of community leaders and the creation of shared visions are key to successful philanthropy. He also believes that the most impactful community strategies center on collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors and take into account the effect of market forces. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is set to allocate more than $2 billion dollars in grants by 2035, which is considerably more than its initial corpus of $1.2 billion. Egner has an MBA from Western Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He and his wife Tammy live in Metro Detroit. They love to spend quality time with their four adult children and their families, including their five grandchildren.

Connie Lanciaux, currently serving as a Program Associate at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, plays a key role in supporting grantmaking strategies, program management, and learning and evaluation initiatives. Raised in Southeast Michigan, she draws upon her personal connection to the region to inform her work.

Connie brings with her a professional background spanning libraries, hospitals, schools, and government. She most recently served as a copywriter and editor for Taiwan’s Overseas Radio and Television. Prior to this, she supported grants management for the Livingston County specialty courts. Her experiences have equipped her with strong skills in writing, administration, communications, and community-driven grants strategy. These skills contribute significantly to the Foundation’s mission of positively impacting Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

Connie holds a BA in English from Kalamazoo College and has attended the National Taiwan Normal University, where she developed her translation skills in Mandarin. Outside of her professional life, she stays active through hiking, biking, and dancing.  She also enjoys spending time strengthening her bonds with her faith, community, and family.

Kari Pardoe serves as a Program Officer at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which strives to create lasting positive change in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. In her role, Pardoe leads the early childhood, afterschool, and youth sports and recreation focus areas. She embraces a collaborative approach, deviating from traditional grantmaking models to effectively build and support partnerships with the Foundation. Kari values the synergy between the Foundation’s three focus areas, recognizing how their integration enhances overall impact in the communities they serve.

Kari is a strong advocate for youth perspectives in youth sports, recreation, and afterschool programs and works to incorporate young people’s voice in all programs she touches. She champions early childhood education as crucial elements in a child’s healthy development, advocating for easy access for all. Kari’s work centers on breaking barriers and bridging gaps for young people to develop a healthy and happy foundation for their lives.

Before joining the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Kari served as a Program Officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, supporting the development of the strategic direction for their Advancing Afterschool work. She also supported the Detroit Pistons Earlier in her career, she contributed to community and family foundations across Michigan while at the Council of Michigan Foundations. Kari holds an undergraduate degree in community and commercial recreation with a minor in business from Central Michigan University, and she earned her master of public administration (MPA) from Grand Valley State University.

A Marshall, MI native, Kari enjoys golfing, spending time with friends and family during her downtime, and passionately follows Michigan and the CMU Chippewas in sports, with football season proudly dictating her schedule.

Kate Partington serves as a Program Associate at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. She plays a pivotal part in supporting the Young Adults and Working Families and Caregivers grantmaking portfolios through crafting grant recommendations, fostering relationships with current and potential grantees, and advancing focus areas strategies through grantmaking.

Prior to the Foundation, Kate held positions at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Senator Debbie Stabenow’s DC Office, and the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department. Kate has made notable contributions in her sector, including supporting the launch of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and Council on Future Mobility and Electrification from Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order in 2020. Kate’s focus on economic mobility is informed by her father’s career to which she attributes her commitment to helping other find good technical jobs and opportunities outside of 4-year degrees.

Kate is a proud Michigander and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Urban Studies from Wayne State University. Kate is deeply involved in community activities, co-chairing the Eastern Market Cultivation Committee and actively raising funds to support the market. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and working on her cooking skills.

Mercedes Pergande currently serves as the Communications Associate at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. She plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the communication strategy for the Foundation who’s impact driven work is focused in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. In collaboration with the communications and executive teams, she navigates the intricate landscape of the two regions, five focus areas, and numerous grantees and partners that the Foundation works with.

In her role, Mercedes facilitates communication internally and externally to the Foundation’s key audiences, as well as coordinates partner projects, and delivers impactful content such as press releases, digital material, op-eds, and newsletters. Her dedication to strategic communications stems from a belief that it is crucial for the success of any project.

In her previous role at Freedom House Detroit, a leading nonprofit in humanitarian aid protections, Mercedes contributed to program, communications, and development strategy. Mercedes holds a BA in International Relations and Communications from Eastern Michigan University, is a proud Detroiter and loves enjoying all of the inspiring art, poetry, and music that the city has to offer.

As a Program Officer at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Eric Phamdo leverages his expertise in place-based economic development and nonprofit capacity building to uplift projects in Early Childhood, Afterschool, and Youth Sports & Recreation. Additionally, he is involved in Nonprofit Support & Innovation, a special initiative of the Foundation focused on building capacity through project-specific grants for intermediary organizations and encouraging collaboration among nonprofits.

Eric leads a portfolio that has expanded economic opportunities in neighborhoods and strengthened the nonprofit infrastructure across 16 counties in Michigan and New York. He serves in leadership roles for initiatives in Buffalo, NY; Detroit, MI; and Pontiac, MI that are coordinating state, municipal, and philanthropic resources to support economic development. He is passionate about ensuring capacity building resources and networks are available to organizations across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Through their work, they have coalesced organizations and funders to coordinate and scale resources and networks across the Foundation’s two regions.

Eric earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Rochester studying cross-cultural psychology, sustainability, and business administration. He also earned a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School. He is also passionate about human well-being. They are a trained natural foods chef and a yoga teacher and have taught thousands of students mindfulness and conscious movement to nurture their mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

Faye Radcliffe serves as an Executive Assistant to the Program Team at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. Built on the ideals of its founder, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., the Foundation seeks to effect lasting change in the communities he loved most: Southeast Michigan and Western New York. In her role as an Executive Assistant to the Program Team, she plays a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment at the Foundation. Her responsibilities encompass coordinating meetings among the program team, senior executives, and external agencies, as well as providing support for program committee meetings, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and managing the seamless integration of supporting documents into the internal system.

Faye holds an ABA from Macomb Community College, a BPA from Wayne State University, and is currently pursuing her MBA at the same institution. Being the first in her family to attend college, she attributes much of her success to her unwavering perseverance and hard work. Faye’s life experiences have shaped her into a person who values grace and gratitude, and she strongly believes in the power of personal agency to drive positive change. Beyond her professional pursuits, Faye finds joy in spending time with her two dogs and appreciating the beauty of flower gardens.

A Detroit native, Paul Riser serves as a Senior Program Officer with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in the Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (EED) focus area. His duties include managing, identifying, and building relationships with grantees, partners, and stakeholders that allow the Foundation to deploy resources that align with its investment strategies. This involves grant development and administration, strategy creation and alignment, and evaluation and reporting. Additionally, Paul helps to ensure that focus areas that complement EED continue to progress and succeed. Paul’s responsibilities are carried out at the tactical and strategic levels with individual stakeholders and organizations, as well as within coordinated, higher-level, region-wide, multi-stakeholder efforts.

The Entrepreneurship and Economic Development focus area was a natural fit for Paul as it leverages his passion, background, and experience in social entrepreneurship, non-profit work, tech-based and small business support services, and entrepreneurial endeavors. He relishes the opportunity to help influence generational systems change and positively impact people through a lens of equity and inclusion. With the experience of being an entrepreneur himself, Paul brings a deep understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystem building and a desire to listen, learn, and drive measurable change in Western New York and Southeast Michigan. He is greatly inspired by the commitment, energy, optimism, talent, and fortitude of the people in each region. The guiding principles of his work are empathy, equity, inclusivity, continuous learning, innovation, collaboration, humility, servant leadership, and diversity.

Paul graduated from Florida A&M University with a BS in computer science and a minor in mathematics; he later earned an MBA in technology management from the University of Phoenix. In his free time, Paul loves spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, and working on a project that holds a special place in his heart: a partially animated docuseries focused on his father’s life and the impact of his work in the music industry.

Marissa Rossman serves as a Program Associate at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, in support of the Active Lifestyles and Entrepreneurship & Economic Development focus areas. A former teacher, with a passion for community development and social impact, her work underscores the Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life of residents in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. She joined the Foundation’s team in 2021.

In addition to her years in Detroit elementary schools, Rossman has served as a high-level Executive Assistant at Wayne State University, supported leading physicians at the National Institute of Health, and interned with State Senator Stephanie Chang. From this well-rounded perspective, Rossman stewards the Foundation’s partners through the grantmaking process and lends valuable insight to strategic initiatives.

Rossman holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kalamazoo College and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Wayne State University, specializing in Innovation, Community Development, Policy, and Leadership (ICPL). Beyond the office, she loves to explore the natural world—birdwatching on Belle Isle or walking through the northern woods.

As a Program Officer at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Misha Stallworth West is a driving force in enhancing the quality of life in Western New York and Southeast Michigan. Misha’s decades long commitment to advocacy is reflected in her role supporting the Foundation’s Caregivers and Young Adults & Working Families portfolios. With extensive experience in civic engagement, social justice advocacy, and youth development she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Misha’s approach centers around systems-level change, community-driven solutions, and person-centered design.

Having managed Meals on Wheels and other older adult meal programs at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Misha brings a long-time commitment to programs on aging. Her involvement in policy and advocacy on older adult issues showcased a broader commitment to community welfare. As the Vice Chair of the Detroit School Board and a two-time elected member since 2016, she continues to shape educational leadership and decision-making. Misha’s leadership extends to her past roles as Deputy CEO for Citizen Detroit and Director of Arts and Culture, while her accolades, including the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Award and the 40 Under 40 Award, highlight her impact. Misha has used her platform to champion inclusivity and community support through events such as the Detroit Policy Conference and Crain’s Communications Homecoming.

Misha holds a BA in Research Psychology from the University of Chicago and a MSW in Community Organizing and Social Systems from the University of Michigan. She eagerly awaits what the future holds for the communities she serves, and the family she adores spending time with in her fourth generation Detroit home.

Maria Suchyta serves as an Executive Assistant to the board of trustees at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. Maria provides crucial support to the Foundation’s board of trustees as well as the executive team. In her role she carries out administrative duties, assists in partner relations, and coordinates special projects. She thoroughly enjoys being a frontline ambassador who can strengthen the Foundation and its activities by keeping things organized and running smoothly. Maria is passionate about bringing people together, morale building, space creating, and inspiring a spirit of teamwork while working for a locally impactful organization.

Before joining the Foundation, Maria served as an Executive Assistant to the vice president of Wayne State University’s development and alumni affairs division. She brings more than 20 years of experience to her exceptional work at the Foundation. Maria earned her BA from Western Michigan University.

In her free time Maria, Detroit, MI, native, loves exploring all Detroit has to offer through her passion for running. She runs for her health but also as a social experience that provides her the opportunity to engage with others. If you ask her how many half marathons she has completed, she may have to get back to you—she’s run so many that she’s lost count!

Since the establishment of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2016, Amber has been an instrumental member of the team, currently holding the position of Vice President of Programs and Learning. Amber’s tenacity is evident in her approach to infusing learning into every facet of the Foundation’s initiatives, creating a culture where informed decision-making and adaptability are paramount. Amber’s unique ability to forge connections and create synergies has empowered partners from behind the scenes, allowing them to shine and continue to do impactful work in the Foundation’s regions and focus areas.

Amber’s role also extends to overseeing the development and execution of grantmaking strategies in two focus areas. Caregivers; and preparing for success; which encompasses early childhood, afterschool, and support for young adults and working families. Amber’s overarching goal is clear – to enhance the lives of individuals residing in the Foundation’s service regions of Western New York and Southeast Michigan. Her vision becomes tangible through initiatives like Exhale, a groundbreaking program that supports communities in devising creative solutions to provide essential respite to family caregivers of older adults.

Notably, the caregiver focus area holds special significance at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, as it was the sole area Mr. Wilson himself suggested as a priority. Amber’s commitment to supporting caregivers of older adults has become a cornerstone of the Foundation’s impact, positioning Western New York and Southeast Michigan as models for the entire country in terms of caregiver support.

In addition to her work in caregiver support, Amber has spearheaded initiatives that focus on preparing for success across various life stages. Liftoff, an initiative designed to ensure children reach critical milestones in their development; and Generator Z, a unique afterschool program that revolutionized grantmaking by giving voice to teens to significantly influence how afterschool programs are designed and run.

Before joining the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Amber served as the vice president at the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. Over her 12-year tenure, she ascended from the role of a program officer to the interim CEO. She played a pivotal role in devising and executing initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and older adults, laying the groundwork for subsequent advancements by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in the critical areas of early childhood and caregiver support.

A registered nurse, she holds an associate degree in applied science/nursing from Trocaire College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Canisius College, and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from D’Youville College. This comprehensive blend of healthcare expertise and administrative acumen underscores her ability to drive impactful initiatives in the philanthropic sector.
In her leisure time, Amber enjoys cooking and traveling with her husband, Jim Notaro, and takes pleasure in the art of fly fishing. Additionally, she values quality moments spent with their canine companions Winston and Gia.

Carly Strachan joined the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2016 and currently serves as a Senior Communications Officer.  In this role she leads all external communications activities in support of the Foundation’s mission and program area goals, including development and management of key initiatives and campaigns in partnership with the Foundation’s staff and strategic partners, such as Built to Play, Tight Knit and Generator Z.

Prior to working at the Foundation, Carly served as a Senior Account Manager at lovio george where she provided account support, media relations and production management for a diverse list of clients and several large-scale events and campaigns, including Shinola, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, The Parade Company, Hudson-Webber Foundation, and the New Economy Initiative.

Carly earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Public Relations from Central Michigan University. She recently joined the ComNetworkDETROIT leadership team to support the network of Detroit-area communications professionals who believe in the power of smart communications to improve lives. And just like the Foundation’s Project Play initiative, Carly believes in the importance of sports sampling for youth and continues to do so into her adulthood by recently taking up indoor rock-climbing and tap dance in her free time.

James (J.J.) Tighe joined the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation as Director of the Parks and Trails Initiative in 2017. In 2024, J.J. was promoted to Senior Director of Parks and Trails for the Foundation. He has successfully steered grantmaking strategy, worked to build the capacity of partner organizations, and organized a complex coalition of cross-sector stakeholders and funders to execute community-led park, trail, and green infrastructure projects. Key accomplishments include helping shape the Foundation’s “Centennial Commitment”— a $200 million initiative that will close regional trail gaps and build a signature waterfront park in Western New York and Southeast Michigan.  

Prior to joining the Foundation, J.J. served as the President and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports. JJ also worked as an instrumental intermediary in developing a collaborative partnership with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources to support the Iron Belle Trail Initiative, a state-wide regional trail that connects Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In addition to his eight years as a Senior Leader with the General Electric Company in New York and Michigan.

J.J. is a distinguished Veteran who served as a Captain in the U.S. Army with the 1st Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal during his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. He is also a strong advocate for Veterans— having served on several boards focused on empowering military Veterans and their families. J.J. holds a B.S. in Finance from Boston College and an M.B.A. at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Sarah Truax serves as the Learning Associate at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, where she contributes to the advancement of the Foundation’s learning, evaluation, and reporting (LER) efforts. In this role, she manages evaluation  projects and collaborates with external partners and consultants on Foundation-wide LER initiatives. Sarah plays a key role in supporting the development and implementation of LER strategy.

Prior to her time at the Foundation, Sarah served as a Fellow with the Council of Michigan Foundations. As a Fellow, she completed a capstone project that explored learning practices in spend-down foundations and served on the Michigan Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy steering committee. Previously, she held positions at Global Detroit and the Michigan Community Service Commission, where she played a pivotal role in bringing the National Quality Mentoring System to mentoring programs across the state.

Sarah holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan’s Ford School and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Development Studies from Calvin University. In her free time, you can find her baking, exploring new places, and hiking with her dog Penny.

As an Executive Assistant at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, Danielle Wilder-Hamilton provides invaluable support to President and CEO Dave Egner, as well as the executive team. In this dynamic and collaborative role, she excels at anticipating the team’s needs and ensuring their days run seamlessly. Working alongside two other accomplished administrative professionals, Danielle takes pride in contributing to the Foundation’s impactful work in the communities they serve.

Guided by her principle of meeting people where they are in their lives, Danielle believes in understanding and respecting the unique journeys and approaches of others. As an executive assistant, she sees her role as enhancing and bringing out the best in those she supports.

Danielle holds an associate degree in general studies from Macomb Community College and boasts decades of experience as an administrative professional. Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with her husband, her dog Winston, her daughter, and her grandchildren. Additionally, she actively volunteers as the director for the Southeast Michigan branch of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), organizing events that focus on professional and personal development for the region’s members and helping them leverage their membership benefits. She is also a proud member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., a professional business sorority for African American women.