The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Adds Three Senior-Level Staff Members to Executive Team
Administrative and program management ranks expanding to support organization’s ongoing growth and development

Detroit, M.I./Buffalo, N.Y. (June 9, 2016) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced several additions to the organization’s growing executive management team. The new appointments include Amber Slichta to the role of Vice President of Programs, James Boyle as Vice President of Programs and Communications, and Maura Dewan to the position of Director of Programs and Strategy.

“We’re pleased to welcome Amber, Jim and Maura to the team during this exciting period of building the Foundation’s staff and board of trustees,” said David O. Egner, President and CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “As the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation gets going, it is imperative that our team include individuals with strong ties to, and proven knowledge of, the needs and demographics of Western New York and Southeastern Michigan. Amber, Jim and Maura’s vast professional experience will be invaluable as we evaluate opportunities for giving, and determine where the Foundation’s investments can be the most impactful.”

In her role as Vice President of Programs, Amber Slichta will be mainly responsible for developing and implementing grantmaking strategies, collaborating with other funders, building and maintaining grantee relationships, as well as proposal analysis and evaluation. Most recently, Slichta served as Vice President and Interim President for the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, where she worked since 2004. She brings more than 20 years of experience in health and human services and leadership roles. Slichta’s expertise will greatly inform the Foundation’s work in areas such as caregiving, early childhood and healthy communities. Slichta also currently serves as the founding board president for the New York Funders Alliance, and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions.

As Vice President of Programs and Communications, James Boyle will utilize his expertise in culture change initiatives and economic development on behalf of the Foundation, while also calling on an extensive communications, marketing and organizational strategy background. Having previously served as Senior Program Officer for the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Boyle brings a wealth of knowledge of the needs of the Southeastern Michigan community. In addition, Boyle has more than 20 years of experience in communications and marketing in the Detroit area. He is heavily involved in the community, having served on a number of area boards, including The Greening of Detroit and The Villages CDC, and is a co-founder of Public Pool art space in Hamtramck.

In her role as Director of Programs and Strategy, Maura Dewan will focus on the Foundation’s partnership development, strategic initiatives and process management needs. She joins the team after spending 13 years working as a Foundation Coordinator at the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison in Lansing, Michigan. Dewan has served on the St. Thomas Aquinas School Education Commission and the Great Lakes Feis Committee.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is primarily focused on sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Western New York and Southeastern Michigan. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting a variety of areas that align with Wilson’s historical giving priorities, including children and youth, young adults and working families, caregiving, and healthy communities.

The Foundation’s trustees began the process of assembling its staff in 2015. In October, the Foundation hired President and CEO David Egner, former longtime president of the Detroit-based Hudson Webber Foundation. The Foundation plans to continue adding staff from both the Western New York and Southeastern Michigan regions.

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About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation:

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation was established by founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Upon Wilson’s passing in 2014, he requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the foundation which bears his name. The Foundation has a grant making capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires December 31, 2035. This structure is consistent with Wilson’s wish for immediate impact and innovation, and his desire that the trustees see the impact of the investment in their lifetimes.