Mental Health Hero Lenora Hardy-Foster Leads With Compassion and Vision
For more than four decades, Lenora Hardy-Foster has dedicated her life to strengthening families and communities across southeast Michigan. Today, as president and CEO of Judson Center, she leads an organization that has grown in reach, impact and innovation under her tenure — from expanding autism services to implementing integrated care models that serve the whole person. Her leadership is grounded in gratitude, faith and a deep belief in developing others.
Being named a 2025 Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero brought her back to the beginning of her journey and affirmed the purpose that has guided her ever since. We sat down with Lenora to learn what this recognition means to her and how she reflects on a remarkable career in service.
Q&A With Lenora Hardy-Foster, President & CEO, Judson Center
Q: What does it mean to you to receive this award?
A: I am truly honored. Any time you’re recognized for the work you’ve done and the impact you’ve made in the community, it’s extremely rewarding. It made me reflect on my life — I’ve been devoted to the nonprofit sector for over 40 years. I never expected this to be my career path, but making a difference in the lives of children, adults and families has always brought me deep gratification. To know that others see that and believe I’ve made an impact means so much.
Q: You have such a compelling journey into this work. How did it begin?
A: I was born and raised in Selma, Alabama, and came to Detroit for school. I earned both my undergraduate and MBA from the University of Detroit. My plan — and you can probably hear the southern girl in me — was to work at Ford headquarters. That was my dream! But while I was in school, I started working for Southwest Solutions (now MiSide). That’s where I found my purpose. The work we did there showed me how meaningful it is to help someone move forward in life, no matter their challenges. I knew then that this was the path God had for me.
Q: You spent 36 years at Southwest Solutions. What did that experience teach you?
A: Everything. Because it was an affiliation of multiple nonprofit and for-profit entities, I learned across the board: mental health services, financial literacy, housing development, business operations. It gave me a platform to expand my knowledge in ways I never would have within a single corporate division. And working under (former president and CEO of Southwest Solutions) John Van Camp taught me how to be a leader, how to think strategically, how to be a visionary, how to think outside the box. He was one of the greatest leaders I’ve ever known.
Q: What ultimately led you to Judson Center?
A: Honestly, I wasn’t looking to leave. I loved where I was. But one day I got a call: “Judson Center is searching for a president and CEO, and we’ve been watching you.” I couldn’t believe it. I still wasn’t convinced at first. But I thought, What do I have to lose? I went through the interview process and three weeks later, I was hired. I started on March 1, 2016, and I’m coming up on 10 years here.
Q: When you look at Judson Center today, what accomplishments stand out?
A: We’ve grown significantly. When I started, we were in three counties — now we’re in six, with one statewide contract. We had one autism location; today we have five. And leading Judson Center through the implementation of integrated care has been one of the greatest achievements of my career. To bring behavioral health, primary care and substance use disorder treatment together — that’s the future of mental health. People with a mental health diagnosis often experience significant physical health challenges that go untreated. Integrating care gives them a better chance at a healthier, longer life.
Q: This award includes two months of time away — a rare gift for a CEO. How does that feel?
A: Wonderful! I’m a workaholic — always have been. I love what I do, but I don’t take time off easily. This award says: You must step away. You must relax, renew, find joy outside of work. That is such a blessing. My husband and I have been married 42 years; he’s retired now and spends a lot of time serving in our church. I want to use this time to be with him and to enjoy life. Traveling to Africa is at the top of my list. I also love Aruba. Or maybe we’ll rent a home in Florida for six weeks during the winter. I’m excited to experience life in a different way.
Q: How will stepping away support your organization and your team?
A: Succession planning is something I strongly believe in. I presented it during my interview for this job, and the board loved that. I think every organization — nonprofit or for-profit — should have both a short- and long-term plan for the “what if” scenarios. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to build a strong executive leadership team. I have six C-suite direct reports, and they all have exceptional strengths. There is one individual who will serve as interim CEO, and the full team will step up around them. They support one another, they communicate well and they rise to the occasion. A great leader develops other leaders — that’s something I believe deeply.
Q: What else would you like people to know about your journey?
A: Life has truly come full circle for me. I started my education at University of Detroit, and today I’m the chair of the board for the University of Detroit Mercy Business College. I’ve served on many boards — Michigan Federation for Children and Families, Encompass Michigan, Hannan Center and others. My faith and my church keep me grounded. When I look at my journey — the achievements, the service, the people I’ve met — I feel very grateful. This award is an incredible honor and a blessing.
Learn more about Lenora Hardy-Foster and the Judson Center. Find out about the Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award and the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation.
