Dr. Bill Cosby
Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby Jr. His successes span five decades and virtually all media, remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly project. In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums, which went on to win eight Gold Records, five Platinum records and five Grammy Awards. His role on TV’s I Spy made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television’s racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards. In the 1980s, he again rocked the television world with the The Cosby Show, a gentle, whimsical and hugely successful series that single-handedly revived the family sitcom.
For more information visit www.billcosby.com

Michael Flanagan is the state superintendent of public instruction. He directs the Michigan Department of Education; chairs the State Board of Education; and advises the State Board of Education, the Governor and the state legislature regarding public education in Michigan. Prior to his current position, Flanagan serves at the superintendent of the Wayne Regional Education Service Agency, which serves nearly 500,000 children in more than three dozen diverse communities in Wayne County. He is the past chairperson of the Education Alliance of Michigan, a nonprofit coalition of leading parent, business and education associations. He is also the past president of the National County Superintendents Association.

Carol Goss is the president and chief executive officer of the Skillman Foundation, a private, independent foundation whose mission is to improve the lives of children by improving their homes, schools and neighborhoods. Prior to joining the Skillman Foundation as senior program officer in 1998, Goss served as program officer at The Stuart Foundation in San Francisco, California, and as program director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In addition to her 18 years of experience in philanthropy, Goss’ professional career includes nearly 20 years of experience in the human services field as a social worker, social work supervisor and agency administrator with the Detroit Department of Public Welfare, Oakland County Family and Children’s Services, and The Children’s Home Society in Oakland, California.

Nancy M. Schlichting is president and chief executive officer of the Henry Ford Health System. Schlichting previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the system and was responsible for its hospitals, community care services, hospital joint ventures, physician practice development, and integrated support services. In addition, she served as the president and chief executive officer of Henry Ford Hospital and was responsible for the operation of the Detroit Campus, which includes the hospital and the ambulatory services. Schlichting serves on numerous community, professional and corporate boards including: the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Greater Detroit Area Health Council, City Year, C.A.T.C.H., Fifth Third Bank of Eastern Michigan, Mayor’s Time, and Gilda’s Club.

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