Statement from Matt Cullen, Chair, Detroit RiverFront Conservancy Board of Directors:
After more than 10 years with the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy as President and CEO, Faye Alexander Nelson will take on a senior leadership role at DTE Energy, effective January 31, 2014.
The Conservancy Board of Directors and staff are incredibly appreciative for Faye’s leadership in the creation of the beautiful Riverwalk. Where cement silos and blighted building once stood we now have greenways, parks, butterfly gardens, a carousel and a water park. All of it is available for our entire community to enjoy.
The Detroit riverfront has become firmly rooted as a community asset and has become a world-class destination that draws more than 3 million visitors a year. Over the last decade, more than $1 billion in public and private investment has taken place on or along the riverfront. Faye has been in the forefront of the public-private partnership that has made all of this possible. She will be missed by all those that care about the riverfront but she has created a strong foundation for us to build upon.
Our search for a new president will begin immediately. In the interim, William Smith, Chief Financial Officer of the Conservancy and Karen Slaughter-DuPerry, Community Outreach Executive, will assume day-to-day operational responsibilities.
Statement from Faye Nelson, President & CEO, Detroit RiverFront Conservancy:
I am most appreciative to have been with the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy when the riverfront was in the early stages of its vision. Seeing that vision become a reality has been a defining moment in my life and the history of this city. Where silos once were, we now have a beautiful public space that is been visited and enjoyed by millions every year.
After 10 years of leading this transformational project, I am ready to take on a new direction and challenge in my career with a new position at DTE Energy. This was a very difficult decision for me, but as a board member of the Conservancy, I look forward to continuing my commitment to the riverfront and seeing the completion of it – from bridge to bridge and beyond. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group of leaders.
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