Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award Honors Visionary Leadership and Legacy

The Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award, established by the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation in 2024, celebrates the legacy of Leonard W. Smith, a philanthropic visionary whose leadership significantly improved mental health services across Michigan. This prestigious award honors nonprofit leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to mental health care, offering them a unique opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities to focus on personal renewal and organizational growth.

Award recipients were recognized immediately following the Flinn Foundation Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at the Detroit Athletic Club. The inaugural honorees represent outstanding leadership across southeast Michigan’s mental health services landscape:

“These extraordinary leaders exemplify the heart and dedication that drive meaningful change in mental health care,” says Andrea Cole, President and CEO of the Flinn Foundation. “Their tireless efforts support some of southeast Michigan’s most vulnerable populations, and this award recognizes their remarkable contributions while ensuring they have the opportunity to recharge and continue their vital work.”

Investing in leaders to strengthen mental health systems

The award provides resources to support both personal and professional growth, allowing recipients to take a restorative break while fostering leadership development within their organizations. Each honoree receives support to step away for one month, giving them time to renew while their organizations develop new leadership capabilities in their absence.

Nanci Hambrick, Project Manager at the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at the Wayne State University School of Social Work, attended the award ceremony and reflected on its significance.

“This award is extraordinary because it focuses on true restoration and sustainability for these leaders,” says Hambrick. “The recipients are not only being given four weeks of paid time away to recharge, but the Foundation also provided funds for their organizations to cover extra responsibilities during their absence. This ensures that these leaders can step away without worrying about the strain on their teams — a rare and deeply thoughtful approach.”

The Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award embodies Smith’s lifelong commitment to mentorship, service, and innovation. By honoring his legacy, the Flinn Foundation ensures his impact on mental health and philanthropy continues to inspire and empower leaders across Southeast Michigan.

Learn more about the Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award and each of the inaugural honorees at flinnfoundation.org.