General Motors CEO Mary Barra and her husband were scheduled to once again co-chair the prevalent fundraising dinner for the Karmanos Cancer dinner. But, those plans have changed, according to The Detroit News.
Barra’s decision to not co-chair the event with her husband follows the departure of Nick Karmanos, who was vice president of institutional relations for 16 years. He reportedly left the institution to pursue new opportunities.
“Mary and Tony Barra had intended to serve as co-chairs of next year’s Gala, but in light of the new developments, they will not be serving as co-chairs of the gala next year,” GM spokesman Patrick Morrissey said in a statement.
General Motors and the GM Foundation have donated more than $7 million to the foundation since the 1990s and have been the lead sponsor since 2010. On average, GM allotted at least $400,000 to the foundation every year.
Institute President and CEO Dr. Gerold Bepler thanked GM for its incredible support over the years but did not provide further details into the Barras’ decision.
“GM and the GM Foundation have continuously demonstrated over the years their commitment to the fight against cancer,” he said. “Both have been major supporters as well as advocates of new and innovative cancer research underway at Karmanos Cancer Institute to help develop new and better therapies that benefit cancer patients here in Michigan and elsewhere.”
Comment
I got excited for a second by mis reading this and at first glance thinking it was saying Barra will no longer chair GM itself. No offense to her but I still say no publicly traded company should have CEO and Chairman of the Board roles combined. GM is no exception in my book. I don’t care who comes in after Barra, the roles should always be separate IMO.