John E. Marshall III, president and CEO of the Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan, has announced that he will retire in June 2006.

Marshall joined Kresge in 1979 as vice president, was named president in 1987, became a trustee of the foundation in 1991, and was promoted to CEO in 1993. Under his leadership, the foundation has launched several national initiatives, including a Science Initiative that has provided $50 million to date to purchase and endow scientific equipment, primarily at educational institutions; an $18 million Partnership to Raise Community Capital, which provided endowment challenge grants to six community foundations across the country; an $18 million program to support advancement activities at five historically black colleges and universities; a Green Building Initiative; and an international grantmaking program. In addition, Marshall played a significant role in establishing the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan in 1984 and, more recently, Kresge's Detroit Initiative.

"John's dedication to the nonprofit sector is remarkable," said foundation board chair Irene Y. Hirano. "During his twenty-six years of leadership, the Kresge Foundation has granted more than $1.8 billion to strengthen nonprofits. Thousands of organizations have benefited from our programs and, as a result, have grown in their ability to serve their communities."

As has been the case for decades, the foundation's core program provides challenge grants for capital projects. According to Marshall, "a well-planned and executed capital campaign is the perfect opportunity to engage trustees, staff, volunteers, and community in the mission of the organization. When a nonprofit leader says, 'The Kresge grant helped us reach out to more people who want to be connected to our organization for years to come,' I know we've made an impact."