Detroit’s Focus: HOPE Announces New Board Chair, Members

DETROIT, February 5, 2021 – Nationally recognized civil and human rights organization Focus: HOPE announced today that D. Scott Sandefur has been named Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, effective January 26, 2021. Sandefur, Vice President of Manufacturing Workforce Strategy for General Motors, has been a member of Focus: HOPE’s Board of Directors since 2016.  

“I am honored to serve in this role for Focus: HOPE because I have seen firsthand the good they do in our community. I want to build upon the strong relationships I have with the other board members and the team at Focus: HOPE to help lead this organization in their mission to overcome racism, poverty, and injustice through intelligent and practical action,” said Sandefur. 

 
Sandefur replaces outgoing Chair Jay Craig, who is retiring as President and CEO of Meritor. Focus: HOPE CEO Portia Roberson said, “Jay’s leadership has been instrumental to Focus: HOPE. The robust strategic planning process he led us through has strengthened the organization so we are poised for long-term growth and sustainability. We are truly grateful for his service to Focus: HOPE. As Jay transitions into retirement, we are thrilled to have Scott join us as Chair, and I am confident that our trajectory of success will continue under his leadership.” 

The organization also announced the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: 

• Lisa Caldwell, Managing Partner of the Americas Consulting Practice, Ernst & Young LLP 
• Catherine Clegg 
• Kristi Stepp, Partner, Sigred Solutions 

Focus: HOPE’s 2021 Board of Directors:  
Chair – D. Scott Sandefur, General Motors 
Vice Chair – Lizabeth Ardisana, ASG Renaissance 
Hon. Dave Bing, Bing Youth Institute; Daniel G. Brudzynski, DTE Energy; Lisa Caldwell, Ernst & Young; Catherine Clegg; Rev. Marko Djonovic, Church of St. Moses the Black; John A. Dunn, Plastic Omnium; Carlton M. Faison, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Kevin Gentner, Chemical Bank Wealth Management; Steven Jensen, Deloitte & Touche LLP; Burt Jordan; Jane Fran Morgan, JFM Consulting Group; Paul N. Myles, Magna International; Eric S. Mitchell, West Village Garden; Kristi Stepp, Sigred Partners; Leo G. Stevenson, Merrill Lynch; Robert L. Watson, Stellantis 

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About Focus: HOPE 

Focus: HOPE is a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization founded in 1968 after the Detroit civil unrest. Over the past half-century, Focus: HOPE has developed numerous programs in its efforts to overcome racism, poverty and injustice in the core areas of early learning, youth development, workforce training, food justice, and advocacy. As a result, thousands of individuals have achieved financial independence. For more information, visit www.focushope.edu.