RICHARD LERNER

richard@richardlerner.net

Candidate for

Glen Eagle Board of Directors


Ø 45 “Board years” of experience on 10 different Boards & Commissions serving public, private, non-profit and HOA communities.

 

Ø Served on a City Council performing policy and oversight for a city of 85,000 with a $100MM budget, named Best City to Live in Michigan by Money Magazine.

 

Ø Served on a Healthcare Corporation Board of Directors overseeing 5,300 employees, a $640MM budget and a $165 infrastructure expansion project.

 

Ø 12 Years in Fortune 100 in New York, Connecticut and Michigan.

 

Ø Co-founded and led 4 small businesses over 30 years.

 

Ø B.A. degree in Economics from Syracuse University.

Endorsed by Buddy
 

I offer our Master HOA Board of Directors a wealth of experience in bringing diverse individuals together into cohesive, highly functional groups, with respect for each other and their constituencies. The Glen Eagle Board can and should work together and deliberate in meaningful ways, being able to disagree without being disagreeable, and arriving at solutions that best serve our residents while providing the best possible work environment for our amazing, diligent GE staff. I have extensive experience conducting public meetings under Roberts Rules of Order and the Open Meetings Act (similar to Florida’s HOA Statute 720). I believe communities are stronger when members are heard and have the opportunity to provide input early in the planning stages of projects, long before items are brought to a vote. I am independent, and not running as part of any slate or alliance. I aim to bring civility and professionalism back to our Board of Directors, and ask for your support.


PORTFOLIO OF WORK AND BOARD LEVEL EXPERIENCE

 

 

 

 

 

President, The Source Companies

Over a 30-year career, led the efforts to start and operate 4 diverse business units which were part of a privately held company. The areas of focus were Digital Marketing and IT Services, Bundled Voice and Data Services, Project and Process Management Training and Consulting, and Publishing Paper Distribution and Logistics.

 

Councilmember, Mayor Pro-Tem, Commissioner, City of Farmington Hills, Michigan

Served two 4-year terms on the City Council, twice elected Mayor Pro-Tem by fellow Councilmembers, and two 4-year terms as a Special Services Commissioner. Responsible for policy and oversight of a municipality spanning 34 square miles with a population of 85,000, over 500 employees (320 FTE), more than 350 miles of roads, and an annual budget over $100MM. Farmington Hills was named “Michigan's Best City to Live In” by Money Magazine during my tenure, and consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the country by the four rating agencies.

 

Board of Directors, Zieger Health Care Corporation

Served on the Board of Directors of the parent company to Botsford Hospital, Botsford Commons Senior Living and ParaStar Ambulance. Responsible for policy and oversight of a healthcare holding company with $640MM in revenues and 5,300 employees. Oversaw a $165MM expansion of Botsford Hospital, doubling the number of single-patient rooms, operating suites, emergency room capacity, increased ICU & CCU beds, and achieved certification as a Level II Trauma Center during my tenure.

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Interim President, Farmington Area Goodfellows

Currently serving as Chairman of the Board and Interim President for an 80-year old non-profit (501c3) public charity with over 200 volunteer staff. The Goodfellows provide food, books, diapers, toys and financial assistance to at-risk children, families, seniors and developmentally challenged adults, as well as support for several local food bank operations. Responsible for strategic direction, fundraising, operations, marketing, people development and P&L.

 

Board of Directors, C.A.R.E.S.

Co-founded a food pantry and clothing closet which opened in 2017. The CARES “Campus of Hope” now serves over 600 people each month and is home to offices for Rebuilding Together, American Legion Veteran’s Services, Michigan Women, Infants & Children (WIC), Another Day Resource Center, Corewell Health Pre-Natal Care and Sanctum House.

 

Board of Directors, Eight Mile Boulevard Association

Served on the Board of Directors for Eight Mile Boulevard Association (8MBA), a conduit for socio-economic change in Southeast Michigan. 8MBA works with businesses, governments, block groups, chambers of commerce, non-profits and others in 13 communities to revitalize and promote the Eight Mile corridor over a 27-mile span as a link for regional prosperity along the borders of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties in Michigan, home to over 3.9MM people.

 

Board of Directors, Past President, Xemplar Foundation

Immediate Past President and currently serving on the Board of Directors for a Charitable Foundation. Each year the Foundation supports over 30 non-profit and public charities in Southeast Michigan providing aid to at-risk families, seniors and youth living below the Federal poverty guidelines.

 

Board of Directors, Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club

Served on the Board of Directors and helped build the largest youth community service group in the nation for the Optimist International organization, with over 250 K-12 students working on local Community Service projects. Known as the world's most dynamic coalition of youth volunteers, the Junior Optimist program facilitates opportunities for children to be active in community service.

 

Board of Directors, Past President, Quaker Valley Farms Homeowners Association

Over an 11-year tenure, served in various capacities for a suburban Detroit homeowner’s association including President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Board Member.

 

Municipal Finance Committee, Michigan Municipal League

Served on a team that represented 1,773 municipal governments in Michigan, analyzed proposed State legislation with appropriations attached, determined the impact on municipalities, made recommendations as to whether they should support, oppose or remain neutral, worked with state-level officials to form legislative or administrative action or policy.

 

Vice President, Inter-Agency Council

Served as Vice President of an organization that facilitated sharing of grants, information, data, best practices and personnel among non-profit community service organizations, public charities and foundations in Southeast Michigan.


AWARDS AND HONORS

 

Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce Community Citizen Award

“The Community Citizen Award recognizes an individual seen as the most socially responsible and community-oriented.”

 

Neighborhood House Richard L. Tupper Community Service Award

“Given to the individual who best exemplifies the spirit of giving to others less fortunate.”

 

Commission on Children, Youth & Families, City of Farmington Hills Volunteer Family of the Year

“A tribute to members of the community for outstanding volunteer efforts.”

 

Special Olympics of Michigan Special Friend Award

“For long-time dedication and commitment to people with developmental disabilities and other exceptionalities.”

 

Farmington-Farmington Hills Optimist Club Optimist of the Year Award

“Given to an individual to recognize excellence in service and leadership, and demonstrated personal demeanor that is in keeping with the philosophy of Optimist International