On December 17, following a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, the Children’s Foundation of Michigan selected Peter Ginopolis to serve as Chair of the Board. Peter succeeds Luanne Thomas Ewald, who will continue her service as a Trustee.
The Board’s decision reflects strong alignment around Peter’s leadership, long-standing commitment to the Foundation, and deep understanding of our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children across Michigan. His appointment also marks a meaningful moment of continuity, building on decades of family support and philanthropic partnership with the Foundation.
A lifelong connection to the Foundation’s mission
Peter currently serves as Area Senior Vice President at Gallagher and has been actively involved with the Foundation for more than a decade. Since joining the Board of Trustees in 2013, he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
He carries forward a meaningful family legacy, following in his father’s footsteps who served as a Trustee before him. In addition, several members of the Ginopolis family play active roles in advancing the Foundation’s work—establishing multiple family endowments that provide long-term, sustainable support for children in Michigan. That shared commitment has made the Ginopolis family an enduring part of our story.
Leadership rooted in action
Peter is also a co-founder of Leaders for Kids, an advisory board to the Foundation that has raised more than $1 million since 2013. His wife, Cassandra, continues to serve on Leaders for Kids, leading event planning efforts, engaging sponsors, and helping raise awareness of the challenges young people face every day. Together, Peter and Cassandra are raising two children, John and Sophia, making the Foundation’s mission deeply personal.
“The Foundation has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Peter shared. “To now help lead this organization is a full-circle moment. I look forward to building on our momentum and expanding our impact so that every child in Michigan has the opportunity to live a healthier, brighter future.”
Honoring Luanne Thomas Ewald’s leadership
Luanne has served as Board Chair since 2021 and has been a Trustee since 2016. During her tenure, she guided the Foundation through several pivotal moments, including a leadership transition, strategic restructuring, and the launch of the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative. Her thoughtful stewardship has helped position the Foundation for long-term growth and impact.
“Serving as Chair of this remarkable organization has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Luanne said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and have full confidence that Peter’s leadership will take the Foundation to even greater heights.”
A vote of confidence from the Board
For the Board, Peter’s appointment reflects not only his experience, but the values he brings to the Foundation’s work.
“Peter embodies the very best of what it means to serve this Foundation,” said Cynthia Ford, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. “His dedication, energy, and the deep commitment he and his family share to improving the lives of children in our region are inspiring. We are thrilled to have him step into the role of Chair and confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen our impact and expand the opportunities we create for Michigan’s kids.”
Looking ahead
President & CEO Andrew Stein shared his appreciation for both leaders:
“Luanne provided extraordinary leadership during a pivotal time for the Foundation, and we are deeply grateful for her continued service as a Trustee. At the same time, Peter’s passion for children, his family’s long-standing legacy with the Foundation, and his vision for the future make him exceptionally well suited to lead us forward.”
As Peter steps into the role of Chair, we look ahead with excitement—expanding partnerships, advancing innovative programs, and supporting community organizations that improve the health and wellbeing of children in Michigan.
