Meet the Michigan philanthropist who has been quietly changing lives for decades

GRAND BLANC, MI – A Grand Blanc woman known for her decades of leadership in philanthropy and community involvement has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Humanitarian Award from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The award recognizes Vivian Pickard’s contributions to government through her efforts in education, health and community development, as well as her influential work at the General Motors Foundation, where she served as president for more than 30 years.

Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission announced the 38 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that will be honored at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy on Nov. 14 at the Detroit Opera House.

“When I worked at General Motors, I always thought about people less fortunate than me,” he told MLive-The Flint Journal. “And since I retired, I have continued my volunteer service and philanthropic work.”

Pickard isn’t sure what sparked his passion for helping others, but while living in Detroit in his 20s, he began raising funds to help underprivileged boys join the Boy Scouts.

Many of these children could not afford membership fees, and his efforts opened the door to participation for them. This experience marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in philanthropy.

During his time at GM, his philanthropic efforts expanded to locations around the country where GM plants were located, but “I always looked out for Flint,” he said.

After retiring from GM, Pickard became President and CEO of the Pickard Group.

One of his first projects was to assist with a new economic development initiative launched in Flint, specifically targeting those looking to invest in the city’s continued growth.

Called Flint Homecoming in 2017, the goal was to bring together 100 potential investors who live in or are friends with Flint and show them why it makes sense to start their business and invest in the city.

With a career as a Fortune 500 executive, Pickard brings a wealth of expertise in areas such as corporate and community relations, marketing, strategic planning, public policy, healthcare and philanthropy.

His leadership in shaping strategies and directing philanthropic initiatives in education, healthcare, human services, environmental efforts and community development has contributed to General Motors’ recognition as a leader in philanthropy both nationally and internationally.

Pickard currently serves on the board of directors of Fifth Third Bank-Eastern Michigan, where he played a key role in driving strategic initiatives aimed at improving corporate performance.

She is also actively involved in leading boards such as Inforum, The Parade Company, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Sphinx Organization, Black Women’s Agenda, and National Cares.

Pickard is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, International Women’s Forum and Women Corporate Directors.

His leadership extends to The Links, Inc., where he served on the executive committee.

Pickard was previously appointed to Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Licensing Board and served until April 2019.

She has also held important positions such as chair of the Black Women’s Agenda and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Inforum, a renowned professional women’s organization.

A big focus of Pickard’s agenda is trying to bring back the Flint Urban League, an affiliate of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment to raise the living standards of historically underserved urban communities.

The Flint Urban League disbanded years ago, and he encouraged Mayor Sheldon Neeley to bring it back.

“We used it as a resource for GM employees,” Pickard said, adding that he tried to bring it back with donations but nothing came to fruition. “I think how great Urban League is as a resource for the community and employees.”

Decades after his first fundraiser, Pickard’s influence has spread far beyond Flint and Detroit.

What started with helping a few kids join the Boy Scouts has grown into a legacy of generosity that has touched countless lives.

With dedication and heart, he turned his passion for helping others into a lifelong success in philanthropy; This is proof that small acts of kindness can create extraordinary legacies.

Around each Christmas, Pickard walks into a store in Flint and Detroit with $1,000 and hands out $50 to strangers as a gesture of holiday cheer and compassion.

“I am very passionate about philanthropy,” he said. “I never make this about me. I do it out of necessity. I don’t care about public recognition as long as I know I’m doing something good.”