Maureen L. Stapleton, a former state representative who served parts of Detroit’s east side and Midtown neighborhoods, has been named interim executive director of Midtown Detroit Inc. (MDI). The nonprofit organization is responsible for creating community and economic development in the Midtown area of Detroit. Stapleton will assume her new role on March 1st, 2024. She joins MDI following Sue Mosey’s retirement at the end of 2023.
“I am excited and honored to join the dynamic team at Midtown Detroit Inc. and continue the work of the organization and its founding Executive Director Sue Mosey,” said Stapleton. “As someone who has been committed to community change throughout my career, I greatly admire the work that former Executive Director Sue Mosey has achieved.”
During her first 60 days in office, Stapleton aims to engage the community in developing an innovative update to the Community Strategic Plan. This collaborative effort will involve residents, anchor institutions, cultural entities, developers, foundations, and the thriving small business community, setting the stage for MDI’s next phase of growth.
“I am committed to harnessing the collective energy and spirit of the entire Midtown community to drive impactful change, foster inclusive growth, and support the small business community, which is vital to placemaking in Midtown,” Stapleton continues. “Together, we will cultivate a Midtown that thrives and serves as a beacon of innovation and opportunity for all.”
Stapleton brings over 20 years of experience in community development, government, and operational administration to her new role. She began her career in government working for the City of Detroit, Wayne County, and the City of Indianapolis. In 2009, she was elected to represent District 4 for parts of Southeastern Michigan in the Michigan House of Representatives, providing her with a deep understanding of Midtown’s significance in Detroit.
Most recently, Stapleton was appointed by Columbus Mayor Ginther to serve as the executive director of CelebrateOne, an initiative in Columbus, Ohio, aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving health equity in Franklin County. During her tenure, she successfully led efforts to develop a strategic plan to address the community’s infant mortality rate and racial health disparities.
“Maureen has spent her career successfully making organizations stronger and has a proven track record of spearheading community development and long-range planning efforts for federal, state and local government agencies,” said Ned Staebler, Midtown Detroit Inc. Board Chair. “Her deep roots in our Midtown and New Center Detroit communities make her ideally suited to guide this organization through this leadership transition and her vast understanding of organizational development makes her uniquely qualified to create a strategic plan to move Midtown Detroit Inc. forward.”
Stapleton has a track record of tackling hard challenges. During her tenure as state representative, she led and launched a range of community initiatives and policy discussions to increase collaboration on neighborhood and state projects. She also co-led the National Technology Advisory Adoption Council, a partnership between local and state elected officials to achieve comprehensive broadband adoption in urban communities nationwide. Additionally, she spearheaded the Municipal Lighting Authority legislation that led to the creation of the Detroit Public Lighting Authority (PLA), which was responsible for restoring Detroit’s aging street lighting system.
Stapleton previously served as president and principal consultant with Detroit-based Community Enterprises, LLC where she led organizational development, government relations and community affairs consulting services for clients such as Health Alliance Plan, United States Forest Service, Columbus 20/20, the County of Wayne, Detroit Public Schools and various school districts.
Stapleton earned a master’s degree in organizational development and change from Bowling Green State University, completed master’s level course work at Wayne State University in public administration, and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
