The Scherman Foundation Welcomes Four New Board Members

The Scherman Foundation announced today that it has elected four new members to its Board of Directors: Lucy Mayo, Whitney McGuire, Yolanda Miranda, and George Suttles

Lucy Mayo (She/Her), Owner, Lucy Mayo Consulting

Lucy Mayo is an independent consultant, using her 25 years of experience in the non-profit, public policy, and government sectors to support executives and other senior leaders. Prior to consulting, Lucy was Deputy Executive Director of Sierra Club, the oldest and largest environmental organization in the U.S. Her primary areas of focus during her tenure were managing organizational change and equity transformation. She also previously served as Senior Vice President for Organizational Development at Dēmos, a national policy and advocacy organization and Scherman Foundation grantee organization operating at the intersection of political, economic, and racial inequality. Lucy was born and raised in New York, and when she’s not working, she can be found trying to keep up with her 16-year-old son, gardening, reading, and enjoying all that the city has to offer.

“I am honored to join the Board of the Scherman Foundation, whose mission and values deeply resonate with my own,” said Mayo. “I share the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to investing in the economic, political, and cultural transformation necessary for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to reclaim and build power. At a time when this work has never been more urgent, we need foundations that are fearless and steadfast in living their values—and the Scherman Foundation exemplifies that. I’m inspired by the Foundation’s mission and the organizations they fund. I’m eager to support their continued impact and look forward to contributing to a legacy of bold, justice-driven philanthropy.”

Whitney McGuire, Esq. (She/Her), Founder and Managing Partner, The McGuire Consulting Group

Whitney McGuire is a sustainability consultant and Founder and Managing Partner of The McGuire Consulting Group. Leveraging her extensive background as a lawyer, founder, professor, and former Associate Director of Sustainability at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, she seamlessly integrates systems thinking, design principles, and legal expertise to drive impactful, long-term sustainability solutions. Through educational workshops, panel discussions, and community initiatives, she has mobilized efforts to create tangible, positive change in marginalized communities, while fostering collective responsibility. Whitney's expertise extends beyond strategy and consultation; her work is deeply rooted in community collaboration, bridging gaps between corporate sustainability and grassroots activism.

"It’s an honor to join the Scherman Foundation board at a time when the stakes for justice, equity, and sustainability could not be higher,” said McGuire. “My work has always centered on the intersection of culture, community, and climate, and I look forward to contributing that lens to a collective vision rooted in liberation, joy, and long-term transformation. I’m excited to collaborate with this powerful team to deepen the Foundation’s commitments, and disrupt the systems that no longer serve us."

Yolanda Miranda, Esq. (She/Her/Ella), General Counsel, The Brigid Alliance

Yolanda Miranda serves as General Counsel at The Brigid Alliance. She previously served as the Senior Director of Growth at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice (Latina Institute), a Scherman Foundation grantee organization, where she was responsible for strengthening philanthropic partnerships and overseeing strategic legal governance, organizational compliance, and cross-departmental operations to ensure the Institute's long-term sustainability and impact. Yolanda is a skilled coalition builder and cross-sector collaborator with a proven ability to foster strong relationships across departments, and with diverse stakeholders. She brings deep expertise in operational oversight, team-building, finance, writing, and public speaking. Her work is grounded in a passion for advancing the health, equity, and human rights of all people, and she is deeply motivated by the vision of a world where everyone can exercise their reproductive autonomy and live free from discrimination and violence. A classically trained dancer, Yolanda infuses creativity and discipline to every facet of her work. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two daughters, and their dog, Penny.

“I’m truly honored to join the Scherman Foundation’s board at a time when bold, values-driven philanthropy is more essential than ever,” said Miranda. “In this moment of profound uncertainty for immigrant communities, artists, and environmental advocates, the Foundation’s deep commitment to grassroots movements and the arts offers a vital counterbalance to the forces threatening justice, equity, and creative freedom. Grounded in my experience as a litigator and champion for reproductive justice, I’m excited to help carry forward its legacy of trust-based giving, and to uplift the voices of those on the front lines of social change.”

George Suttles, M.P.A. (He/Him), Executive Director, Commonfund Institute

George Suttles leads Commonfund’s educational, thought partnership, and professional development activities as Executive Director of Commonfund Institute. Prior to joining Commonfund, George was a Program Officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation, an independent, national private foundation focused on improving care for older adults. He is a member of numerous nonprofit boards and investment committees, including Mertz Gilmore Foundation, Auburn Seminary, and the New York Foundation, where he currently serves as Board Chair. He also serves on the board of BoardSource, the recognized leader in national nonprofit board research and support. George is frequently asked to speak on topics concerning fiduciary duty and stewardship, philanthropy, investment governance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and values-aligned investing, among other topics.

"I’m incredibly honored and deeply grateful to join the Scherman Foundation board,” said Suttles. “At a time when so much of what we believe in and support is being challenged, it means even more to be part of this amazing team. The board, the staff, and especially our grantee partners are doing powerful, important, and inspiring work every day. I’m looking forward to locking arms with them, showing up for the communities we love, and continuing to push forward, together."

Thank you to all four of these inspiring leaders for the investment in our ongoing work as a Foundation. We’re grateful for their continued guidance and insight, as we evolve in support of our mission and vision.

“I am thrilled to welcome our new board members, whose vision, energy, and leadership will help shape the foundation’s next chapter,” said Marianna J. Schaffer, Scherman Foundation Board President. “Their arrival reflects our long-standing commitment to aligning governance and culture with mission, and I am confident they will build boldly on the strong foundation we have established. I also want to express gratitude to outgoing board member Miriam Buhl, whose service as chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee was instrumental in guiding this transition.”