Detroit’s Focus: Hope Announces New Board Chair and Members

1282
D. Scott Sandefur
D. Scott Sandefur // Photo courtesy of Detroit’s Focus Hope

Civil and human rights organization Focus: HOPE in Detroit announced D. Scott Sandefur has been named chair of the organization’s board of directors.

Sandefur, vice president of manufacturing workforce strategy for General Motors Co., has been a member of Focus: HOPE’s board since 2016. He is an advocate for employee engagement and has worked with union partners to promote collaboration. Sandefur served several years on the board of SE Michigan Boys and Girls Club and currently serves on Purdue’s Krannert Student Alumni Board.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in management, Sandefur earned a master’s degree in industrial relations, both from Purdue University.

“I am honored to serve in this role for Focus: HOPE because I have seen firsthand the good they do in our community,” Sandefur says. “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.”

Sandefur replaces outgoing chair Jay Craig, who is retiring as president and CEO of Meritor.

“Jay’s leadership has been instrumental to Focus: HOPE,” says Portia Roberson, CEO of 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 Lisa Caldwell of Ernst and Young, Catherine Clegg, and Kristi Stepp of Sigred Solutions to its board of directors.

Focus: HOPE was founded in 1968 after civil unrest in Detroit. The organization 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.