Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Names Aging Services Program Director

Source: Margaret A. Cargill Foundation 02/06/2012

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Mary Lenard is joining Margaret A. Cargill Foundation as Director of the Aging Services Program, Foundation trustees announced today.

Ms. Lenard (formerly Birchard) has been executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota since October 2003. In her new role at the Foundation, she will lead efforts to help older adults in rural communities  achieve and sustain a better quality of life.

“In addition to the experience directly related to our program plans, Mary brings a personal commitment and set of values that will support our mission, said Terrence R. Meersman, Vice President of Programs at the Foundation. “It is our goal to support grantees that help people age in their own homes and communities, and Mary understands the issues that drive that goal.”

Ms. Lenard brings more than 25 years of professional and volunteer experience to Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. Before joining the Alzheimer’s Association, she held positions at the Greater Twin Cities United Way, The National Center for Social Entrepreneurs, and The Jostens Foundation and Community Affairs Office for Jostens, Inc.

Her volunteer experience includes Courage Center, Minnesota Academic Excellence Association, Habitat for Humanity, and Special Olympics. She currently serves on Prepare MN for Alzheimer's 2020, MN Home and Community-based  Services Partners Panel, the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging and the Mission and Outreach Board of Wayzata Community Church.

“I look forward to using what I’ve learned about aging challenges in America to advance Ms. Cargill’s humanitarian vision,” Ms. Lenard said. “I believe the Foundation will play a key role in building understanding of and identifying solutions to critical aging issues.”

About Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation (MACF) was created at the direction of Margaret A. Cargill and formally established upon her death in 2006. MACF is a private foundation whose mission is to provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, the environment and all living things. At Ms. Cargill’s direction, the Trustees are responsible for identifying grant recipients, and the Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for support. The Foundation is one of three grantmaking charities founded by Ms. Cargill, which operate under the umbrella Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.