The Barger Leadership Institute is delighted to announce that Mary H. Schlitt has been named assistant director. Mary is a strategic relationship builder, fundraiser, and champion for young professionals in the nonprofit sector. After devoting more than 15 years advancing the missions of four respected nonprofit organizations, she believes in the power of positive collaboration to generate opportunity and resources.

In her most recent role as chief development officer at Food Gatherers, Mary worked in coordination with other senior leadership team members to create a servant-leadership culture that valued organizational efficiency, community stakeholders and fun in equal measure. Under her leadership, Food Gatherers’ added multi-channel marketing campaigns for new and existing donors that helped nearly double fundraising revenue. In addition, she secured the lead gift in a $2M capital campaign and organized two of Food Gatherers’ highest grossing special events. Previously, at the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art, she coordinated 200+ guest black-tie benefit galas and one symposium in New York City honoring prominent American artists, dealers, and collectors. As a former chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Ann Arbor affiliate, Mary contributed to the professional development of her colleagues and continues to serve as a mentor to young professionals in the field.

As the BLI Assistant Director, Mary will have primary operational responsibility for all aspects of the institute’s day to day management. She will develop relationships with and serve as liaison to partners on and off campus, and work with potential donors and stewardship of existing alumni relationships in partnership with LSA Advancement. Mary will additionally aid the Director in the strategic development and funding of new programs and opportunities in the region and around the world.

Mary, a 2017 +Lab Fellow, through the Center for Positive Organizations, Ross School of Business, holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Michigan. She is a native Michigander and lives in Ann Arbor with her college sweetheart, her ambitious nine-year-old, and curious two-year-old twins.

Mary will join the BLI team on Monday, December 4. Please take a moment to stop by her office, introduce yourself, and welcome her to the BLI!

Contact Information:
Mary Schlitt
msergent@umich.edu

824 Weiser Hall | 500 Church Street | Ann Arbor
Ph: (734) 615-9059