LaTrice McClendon

Director/Detroit,
Knight Foundation
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LaTrice McClendon is a powerhouse of leadership, with profound impact across both corporate and community landscapes. In August 2023, she brought her extensive expertise to the Knight Foundation as the Director of the Detroit program, where she now spearheads initiatives that are vital to the city’s future. Her role involves curating and driving a portfolio of transformative projects that not only celebrate Detroit’s vibrant and diverse culture but also empower its residents to shape their communities. Known for her innovative approach, McClendon is relentless in her pursuit of strategies that maximize impact, ensuring that Knight’s investments contribute meaningfully to the city’s resurgence.

McClendon's deep roots in Detroit, combined with decades of leadership experience in both public and private sectors, uniquely position her to elevate the city's neighborhoods. Prior to joining the Knight Foundation, she served as the Market Executive and Community President of Detroit for Huntington Bank. In this capacity, she managed a billion-dollar strategic community plan, focusing on critical areas such as affordable housing, small business development, financial literacy, and community lending. Her leadership not only facilitated equitable outcomes but also forged sustainable growth, making an indelible mark on the city’s economic landscape. Her earlier appointment by the Mayor of Detroit underscores her commitment to community development and improving the quality of life across the city’s neighborhoods.

McClendon’s dedication to Detroit extends to the education sector, where, in 2022, she was elected to the Detroit Public School Board. Here, she champions equitable access to quality education, ensuring that every child in Detroit has the opportunity to succeed.

LaTrice’s influence extends across multiple organizations where she serves as a board member, such as the Coalition for Temporary Housing, Detroit Riverfront, Detroit Downtown Partnership, the Coleman A. Young Foundation, the Michigan Association of School Boards, and Black Leaders Detroit. Furthermore, her leadership is recognized at the state level, as evidenced by her appointment to the Black Leadership Advisory Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

LaTrice McClendon’s unwavering commitment to Detroit, coupled with her strategic vision and leadership, continues to drive significant and positive change in the city she has always called home.

Breakout panelist