On behalf of the CMF Board of Trustees and the staff, it’s with a heavy heart we share the passing of long-time former CMF staffer Susan Barlett Howbert. 

A champion for community and philanthropy, Susan Bartlett Howbert, joined CMF as the organization’s vice president for family foundations in 1997, working closely with family foundation members and supporting our CMF community of philanthropy broadly.

Susan was the first paid team member for CMF's Detroit office and helped CMF develop several signature programs for family foundations, including the biennial Family Foundation Retreat.

In 2007, Susan transitioned her role to part-time director, supporting CMF members through 2011. 

Susan was deeply engaged with the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) community as a member of the Marketing and Development Committee. 

“Susan was a wonderful advocate for philanthropy and family philanthropy. Upon retiring from CMF, Susan moved to Northern Michigan and I immediately had her join our Marketing and Development Committee. Her advice about engaging with family foundations was so valuable for our community foundation. Her outgoing personality always brought a lot of energy to our committee discussions. I will miss her,” David “DJ” Jones, executive director of PHSACF and chair of CMF’s Advisory Cabinet shared. 

In lieu of flowers, Susan’s family welcomes donations in her memory to a nonprofit of the donor’s choice.