Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield’s transition team, Rise Higher Detroit, announced Thursday it will identify best practices through more than a dozen policy committees chaired by local leaders.
The transition team’s co-chairs, leaders in finance, neighborhood revitalization, enviornment, education, transit and public safety, are tasked with making recommendations to Sheffield’s first 100-day plan.
Community activist Teferi Brent said he’s never seen a coalition with members that touch more areas of civic life than the one Sheffield assembled ahead of her mayoral tenure which begins Jan. 1. Brent is a co-chair for Rise Higher’s public safety committee, along with former DPD chief James White.
The first convening of the committee chairs were held Thursday at Marygrove Conservancy, the headquarters of the Rise Higher Detroit transition initiative.
Mayor-elect Sheffield’s decision to headquarter her transition at Marygrove marks the first time a mayoral transition team has done its work in one of Detroit’s neighborhoods, she said.
Keeping a focus on the city’s neighborhoods, not just what’s happening in the growing downtown, was a key part of Sheffield’s pitch to voters throughout her campaign.
Sheffield told reporters during a press conference Thursday morning more than 795 resumes were received for administrative positions from residents interested in joining her administration.
“Which I believe is a testament to the excitement that people have in shaping the future. our city, and also a belief in creating the Detroit that works for everyone,” Sheffield said.
Rise Higher Detroit is led by Butch Hollowell, who is the managing partner of The Miller Law Firm Detroit, and is a former corporation counsel for the City of Detroit.
Hollowell said Rise Higher will be onboarding a chief talent officer that will do vetting and outreach.to ensure Sheffield’s cabinet is made up of the best talent in the United States.
“I’ve always known Butch to be a doer,” Sheffield told Michigan Chronicle when asked why she selected Hollowell to lead her transition team. “He was one of the first people that reached out to me throughout this process with advice and guidance… I’m honored to have him.”
Huntington Bank CEO Gary Torgow, a co-chair of the workforce, economic development and small business committee told reporters Thursday that he expects Sheffield to be a historic leader for more than one term as mayor.
“She will be a historic leader of Detroit for decades,” Torgow said. The bank executive referenced the historic nature of her election win as the first woman to do it, and by such a large margin.
In total, 18 policy committees will support the Rise Higher Detroit transition initiative which will meet regularly each week through the end of this year.
“These appointments represent a significant step forward in assembling an administration that reflects Detroit’s diverse voices and is ready to deliver bold, community-driven results from day one,” the group said in a release.
At the podium, Sheffield called the process the boldest, most rigorous and inclusive transition plan in the city’s history.
“These co-chairs reflect the best of Detroit — people who lead with heart, vision and a deep belief in what’s possible for our city. Their work will shape our transition priorities, inform our policies and ensure that every decision we make as a city is rooted in partnership and the collective voice of our people.”
Eastside Community Network CEO and president Donna Givens Davidson said being selected to serve on the transition team is an honor to those who have been doing community development work for years.
“I am a descendent of a long line of strong women who’ve never really had an opportunity to lead at this level, and so that’s an honor,” Givens Davidson said.
Givens Davidson will serve as co-chair of Housing Development & Planning with Rob Lockett, the executive director of Lisc Detroit.
Nicole Sherard Freeman, CEO and president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, said Sheffield has made it crystal clear she will be inviting the ideas of all and centering the input of Detroit residents.
“And in our small corner of the world, we know that what is good for Detroit is good for the rest of the region,” Freeman said.
Below is the full list of committee chairs:
Finance: Led by Co-Chairs Suzanne Shank (CEO and Co-Founder of Sibert Williams Shank & Co., LLC) and Dave Massaron (Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship for General Motors).
The Finance Committee will strategize on maximizing city revenue, securing grant funding and reforming procurement processes to ensure fiscal responsibility, streamlined vendor relations and effective resource allocation, the group said in a release.
Neighborhood Revitalization: Led by Co-Chairs Kenyetta Campbell (Exec. Director, Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance), Anika Goss (President and CEO, Detroit Future City), Eva Garza Dewaelsche (President and CEO, SER Metro-Detroit) and Zeke Williams (Founder, New Era Detroit).
The Neighborhood Revitalization Committee will develop targeted plans and programs for investment, beautification and infrastructure improvements to strengthen and stabilize Detroit’s diverse neighborhoods, officials said.
Workforce, Economic Development & Small Business
Led by Co-Chairs Gary Torgow (Chairman, Huntington National Bank), Nicole Sherard-Freeman (President and CEO, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan) and Dwan Dandridge (CEO, Black Leaders Detroit)
The Workforce, Economic Development & Small Business committee will develop strategies to attract business investment, stimulate job growth, develop a skilled local workforce and manage relationships with corporate partners. The committee will also begin to frame an overall population growth strategy.
Education & Youth Affairs
Led by Co-Chairs Angelique Power, Ralph Bland (President and CEO, New Paradigm for Education) and Shawn Wilson (President, Boys & Girls Club).
The Education & Youth Affairs Committee will develop plans that support and improve public education, create opportunities for youth development, and coordinate city efforts with local school systems and youth programs, building strategies that support families and youth from cradle to career, according to the release.
Transit Improvement & Mobility Innovation
Led by Co-Chairs Tiffany Gunter (General Manager, CEO, SMART), Megan Owens (Executive Director, Transportation Riders United) and Dessa Cosma (Founder, Exec. Director, Detroit Disability Power).
The Transit Improvement & Mobility Innovation Committee will focus on improving the public transit system and exploring innovative mobility solutions to ensure all residents have reliable, accessible and affordable transportation options.
Innovation & Emerging Industries
Led by Co-Chairs Dug Song (Co-Founder, The Song Foundation; CEO, Duo Security), Lisa Lunsford (Co-Founder and CEO, GS3 Global) and Johnnie Turnage (CEO and Co-founder, Black Tech Saturdays).
The Innovation & Emerging Industries Committee will focus on identifying and promoting new technologies and high-growth sectors to diversify Detroit’s economy and position the city as a hub for future industries.
Health, Human Services, Homelessness & Poverty Solutions
Led by Co-Chairs Denise Brooks-Williams (Exec. Vice President and COO, Henry Ford Health) and Linda Little (President and CEO, Neighborhood Service Organization – NSO)
The Health, Human Services, Homelessness & Poverty Solutions Committee will focus on ensuring equitable service and targeted assistance provision to the City’s most marginalized residents. The committee will design strategies to improve health outcomes, enhance social services, and implement solutions to address homelessness and reduce poverty.
Infrastructure, Sustainability & Climate Change
Led by Co-Chairs Tony Reames (Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice, University of Michigan), Nate Ford (Assoc. Vice President, HNTB) and Natalie King (President, Dunamis Clean Energy).
The Infrastructure, Sustainability & Climate Change Committee will focus on strategic plans around upgrading and maintaining critical city infrastructure, developing sustainable practices around decarbonization and resource efficiency and framing policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Housing Development & Planning
Led by Co-Chairs Donna Givens Davidson (President and CEO, Eastside Community Network) and Rob Lockett (Executive Director, Lisc Detroit).
The Housing Development & Planning Committee will focus on creating and preserving affordable housing, promoting equitable development and implementing comprehensive land-use plans for sustainable city growth. It will also outline a plan to gradually increase infill housing within a strategic pivot to homeownership-focused initiatives.
Internal Administration & Operations
Led by Co-Chairs Hakim Berry (Executive Consultant, former Chief of Staff, Mayor of Detroit) and Sharon Madison (Owner, Madison Madison International)
The Internal Administration & Operations Committee will focus on streamlining city government processes, improving departmental efficiency and optimizing internal operations to ensure effective service delivery to residents.
Ethics Compliance
Led by Co-Chairs Elliott Hall (President, Elliott Hall PLLC; Former City of Detroit Corporation Counsel) and Ellen Ha (Chief of Staff, Wayne County Corporation Counsel;
Former Inspector General, City of Detroit)
The Ethics Committee will focus on ensuring the highest standards of integrity and transparency. This committee will develop procedures and strategies to guarantee the mayor’s administration and all city operations comply with all ethical and legal mandates.
Law & Civil Rights
Led by Co-Chairs Cinnamon A. Plonka (Managing Partner, Zausmer, P.C.), Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony (President, Detroit Branch NAACP) and Nabih Ayad (Founder, Arab-American Civil Rights League).
The Law & Civil Rights Committee will advise on legal matters impacting the city, analyze the efficacy of the City’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity capacity and develop best practices around the protection of residents’ civil rights, ensuring all City policies and actions align with federal, state and local laws.
Philanthropic Services
Led by Co-Chairs Donald Rencher and Laura Grannemann (Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation).
The Philanthropy Committee will develop strategies to align philanthropic and City interests into multi-layered funding partnerships, foster open and continuous communication and relationships with the foundation community and strategize around uniting disparate networks of foundation-supported grantee programs and organizations under easily accessible service ecosystems.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Led by Co-Chairs Shahida Mausi (CEO, Aretha Franklin Amphitheater), Lane Coleman (Chairman, Detroit Institute of Arts; Founder, President and CEO, Strike Group LLC) and John Collins (Chairman, Detroit Entertainment Commission; President, Detroit-Berlin Connection)
The Arts, Culture & Entertainment Committee will explore ways to support Detroit’s vibrant cultural scene, leverage arts and entertainment for economic benefit and ensure cultural enrichment is accessible to all residents.
HR & Labor Relations
Led by Co-Chairs Mikyia Aaron (Secretary-Treasurer, Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 1191) and Brandice Mullen (Vice President, SEIU Michigan).
The HR & Labor Relations Committee will focus on the city’s workforce. The committee will review human resources policies, ensure fair labor practices and maintain constructive relationships with labor unions
Tourism, Branding & Special Events
Led by Co-Chairs Arn Tellem (Vice Chairman, Detroit Pistons) and Claude Molinari (President and CEO, Visit Detroit).
The Tourism, Marketing & Events Committee will focus on promoting Detroit nationally and internationally. The committee will develop strategies to boost tourism, enhance the city’s image, and attract and manage major city events.
Public Safety & Emergency Services
Led by Co-Chairs James E. White (CEO, Detroit Wayne Integrated Network; Former Chief of Police, Detroit Police Department), Dawn Ison (Former United States Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan) and Teferi Brent (Men’s Minister, Fellowship Chapel).
The Public Safety & Emergency Services Committee will develop strategies to reduce crime through community collaboration and innovation, strengthen prevention and intervention strategies, enhance police-community relations and ensure the city’s emergency response systems are effective and equitable.
Public Policy
Led by Co-Chairs Angela Baldwin (Partner, The Miller Law Firm; Immediate Past President, Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan) and Samuel “Buzz” Thomas (President and Principal, Activate Detroit).
The Public Policy Committee will analyze existing state and federal policies against the goals of the Sheffield Administration, and create strategies to modify, change or otherwise propose and lobby for new policies that operationalize the Administration’s stated goals. The committee will frame a lobbying strategy to drive state and federal dollars directly to Detroit to fund key initiatives.
