Marian Names 2020 Distinguished Alumna

Linda Pilette Hubbard ’78 was selected as the 2020 Distinguished Alumna for her professional accomplishments, service to the community, and her commitment to Marian High School. As Distinguished Alumna, Linda addressed the Class of 2020 at its commencement ceremony July 29, 2020.
“More than anything, this pandemic has caused you to develop a back-up plan (or maybe even more than one back-up plan) and to be able to implement it quickly,” Linda told the graduates. “This pandemic has shaped you such that you will be more prepared than prior generations for unexpected, high-impact events in the future. It has taught you to develop nimble and flexible problem-solving skills, and to be resilient when those plans must be adjusted a second or third time,” she said.
In her introduction of the 2020 Distinguished Alumna, Sr. Lenore Pochelski, IHM, Head of School told the audience that Linda excelled academically during her years at Marian. She was a member of both the National and French Honor Societies, held the position of undersecretary for Model United Nations and attended the North American Invitational Model United Nations Conference, better known as NAIMUN. Linda earned a National Merit Commendation, was the recipient of an Optimist Club Youth Leadership award and was president of the All School Board.
Following her years at Marian, Linda attended Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting. Plante Moran recruited her as an intern and then hired her to work full time following her graduation in 1982. During her 20 years with the company, Linda provided audit assurance and tax counseling services, which ultimately earned her the position of partner.
Linda joined Carhartt in 2002 and during her 18 years at the company has served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In 2013, she became the first non-family member to hold the position of President during the company’s 131 years in existence. Linda is responsible for leading the development and execution of Carhartt’s business plan. She has oversight and responsibility for all corporate operations including product merchandising and design, marketing and sales, as well as Carhartt’s global manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution supply chain spread across more than 20 countries. She also serves as Treasurer and Director on Carhartt’s Board of Directors.
In addition to her board position at Carhartt, Linda also serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Detroit Branch Board as a director. She is Treasurer and Director on the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy Board and is President of the Michigan State University Broad College of Business Board lending her experience and guidance to her alma mater. An active alumna at MSU, she addressed the 1,215 graduating Spartans with emboldening words before they began their own journey as Michigan State University alumni in May of 2019. She was also a part of the Presidential Search Committee at MSU helping to secure new president, Samuel L. Stanley Jr., MD.
“While much of the world paused for the COVID-19 pandemic, Sr. Lenore continued, “Linda was involved in helping the country in two different roles. Carhartt, committed to serving and protecting hardworking people since 1889, quickly realized that those most in need of protection were the heroes battling this pandemic on the front lines – hardworking doctors, nurses, and first responders. Early in March, Carhartt made the decision to retool their manufacturing facilities to produce gowns and masks. As of June 15, 23,000 gowns and more than 173,000 masks have been produced, and Carhartt will continue to manufacture these items as long as the demand remains.”
In her role on the Federal Reserve Board (FRB), Linda was asked to provide input into the Main Street Lending Program, launched by the Federal Reserve Bank during the pandemic to ensure companies could have access to adequate funds to navigate the economic shutdown across the country. The FRB Directors represent many industries and not-for-profit organizations and provide the bank’s leadership and economists with current and relevant impact analysis of economic events, especially critical during the current health and economic crisis.
As a member of the Marian Alumnae Association, Linda attends and supports alumnae events. She hosted her classmates at her home in 2018 for their 40th class reunion, was the keynote speaker at the Marian Mix and Mingle networking event in 2019, and has supported Marian through the Alumnae Christmas party and the Marian Fund.
“What you have learned and experienced here with other like-minded women has changed your perspective on the world and your responsibility to that world,” Linda said. She continued, “Certainly, your Marian education will position you to excel very quickly in perfect circumstances. But even more importantly, it provides you with the strength to keep moving forward during difficult circumstances.”
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Marian High School

7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
PHONE: 248-644-1750 - Marian High School
Marian High School, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by NCA CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The mission of Marian is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.

An enduring tradition: guiding young women spiritually, challenging them academically, and inspiring them to a life of leadership and service.