SOUTHFIELD — The Engineering Society of Detroit Institute has appointed Bill Liebold as its new co-director, effective immediately. Liebold will fill the position of David A. Skiven, who passed away in November 2011. Liebold will work alongside ESDI’s other co-director and co-founder, Christopher J. Webb, JD.
Liebold comes to ESDI with an impressive career in the political and non-profit sectors. From 1991-2008 he served as president of the Michigan Colleges Foundation and led the organization to the most successful period in its 63-year history. Under his leadership, MCF raised more than $32 million dollars for its member liberal arts colleges, doubled its endowment, and established named scholarship programs with many of the state’s leading corporations and foundations.
“I look forward to working with ESDI to craft solutions to some of the most vexing challenges facing our region and state,” said Liebold. “ESDI’s process of transforming seemingly conflicting ideas into consensus-based action that can be adopted by policymakers is more necessary and relevant today than ever. And, I am especially grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a strong board, capable management team, and welcoming colleagues.”
Prior to entering the world of not for-profits, Liebold spent eight years (from 1983-1991) as Special Assistant and Cabinet Secretary to Michigan Governor James J. Blanchard. In this role, he raised a record-setting $1.7 million for non-profit organizations as chair of the first-ever Michigan State Employees Combined Campaign.
In addition to his new position at ESDI, Liebold will continue his work as president of The Liebold Group, LLC, where he advises non-profit organizations, specializing in board building, resource development, interim CEO service, senior executive coaching and small and large group facilitation.
“With extensive experience in the nonprofit and public sectors, Bill is a significant player in the effort to change Michigan’s landscape for the better. His approach can be summed up in one word: Collaboration,” Webb said. “His leadership, his experience, and his good counsel make him the perfect fit for the role of co-director.”
Liebold earned a bachelor’s degree (with distinction) from U-M Dearborn and a Master’s of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California’s Washington, D.C. Public Affairs Center. His academic awards include the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, from Adrian College.
For more information on ESD and the ESD Institute, visit www.esd.org and www.esdinstitute.net.
