Get to Know … Julie Ermler

The Flinn Foundation’s new CFO, Julie Ermler, brings more than 25 years of accounting and finance experience from positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Skillman Foundation and, most recently, the Hudson Webber Foundation.

So, what brought her to Flinn in 2022? We asked her that — and a few other questions — to “get to know” this new addition to the Flinn team.

What drew you to the Flinn Foundation?

I worked with Andrea (Cole, executive director and CEO) and Arnita (Thorpe, operations manager) before at another private foundation. They are great people and I enjoy being around them. What also drew me to Flinn is their mission of advancing mental health programs in Michigan, which really resonates with me.

Why does mental health matter to you?

I have family members with mental health issues. They suffer from depression and anxiety at different level of degrees and I am saddened by it. Learning more in the area can only help strengthen my support for them in seeing a healthy path forward.

What’s your favorite quote or mantra?

The first thing that came to mind is the saying “no pain, no gain.” In order to get to where I wanted to go in life, I had to work hard and had to sacrifice doing easier things. I look back now and realize how much work I put in to get to this good place in my life.

How do you cope with stress?

To cope with stress, I work out and I like to go on fairly long hikes. Even taking a short walk during the day helps minimize my stress. Being outside is a big stress reliever for me.

What’s your ‘happy place’ in Detroit?

My happy place in Detroit is on the east side by the city airport. I remember warm days being outside and listening to the airplanes taking off and landing. Being there brings me back to my childhood.

Coney dog or shawarma?

Well that is a hard choice — I like both Coney dogs and shawarmas. I also like paczkis and all the different styles of pizza. This area has a lot to offer in regard to all the wonderful varieties of food choices.

Any other fun tidbits or interesting insights you’d like to share?

I like to travel. I lived in Europe for three years and I was able to travel to different historical sites as well as see the countryside and experience the diverse cultures.