Active in the Detroit community since 1975, George P. Barnes, Jr. is the founder of Heritage Optical Center, Inc. and Heritage Vision Plans, Inc. (HVP). Heritage Optical Center, Inc. is Michigan's first African-American-owned and operated full service optical dispensary and today comprises three Detroit retail locations. HVP is a full-service vision benefit plan management company which manages and administers vision programs for a range of national public and private clients utilizing the HVP national provider network.

Hassan Beydoun is Group Executive of Economic Development and Counsel to the Mayor for the City of Detroit. Beydoun leads the Jobs and Economy Team, focusing on high-impact developments and Detroit's transformation into a hub for entrepreneurs and innovators. His team streamlines regulations and removes barriers to growth through initiatives like the Transportation Innovation Zone around Michigan Central. Before his current role, Beydoun was General Counsel to the Michigan House of Representatives, where he influenced key legislation, including the Detroit Grand Bargain and auto insurance reform. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Wayne State and a law degree from the University of Iowa.

David Di Rita serves as the principal at the Roxbury Group. Di Rita is actively involved in real estate development projects as well as its advisory work with corporate, governmental and nonprofit clients. The Roxbury Group has advanced numerous development projects in greater Downtown Detroit, including the Auburn, the David Whitney Building, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Activity Center, and the Griswold.

President and Owner - House of Pure Vin Regina Gaines is a native Metro Detroiter with a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. Regina is the President and Owner of House of Pure Vin. The business is located in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Avenue. Regina specializes in extensive marketing and brand expertise and strives to support and advocate for businesses.

Rainy Hamilton, Jr. is a native Detroiter and graduate of the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Architecture. Rainy has a comprehensive understanding of the design industry and has built a national practice that has created award winning designs in the areas of entertainment/hospitality, higher education, residential and recreational facilities. He has a keen ability to quickly develop design solutions, organize and solve complex issues and craft solutions that are environmentally responsible and financially feasible.

Ken Hayward was formerly with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and was responsible for leading and directing the company’s social mission and community affairs functions. Prior to joining Blue Cross, Ken spent over 35 years representing the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, as executive vice president and managing director.

Richard J. Hosey III's real estate experience entails development, consulting, financing and asset management of more than 80 projects totaling over $2.75 billion in development costs. Hosey Development is currently developing a 25-unit market rate multifamily loft development in Midtown Detroit in the former Tushiyah United Hebrew School and co-developing 1212 Griswold, 1145 Griswold and 1249 Griswold into 240 units of market rate loft apartments and 80,000 square feet of office and commercial space in Downtown Detroit.

Mike McLauchlan is the Vice President of Government Relations and joined Ilitch Holdings, Inc. in 2008. McLauchlan has spent more than 26 years building strong relationships at all levels of the community. Previously, he was senior vice president and manager of government relations for Comerica Incorporated. There he was responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of Comeric's local, state and federal government relations activities.

Christos Moisides is a Detroit based real estate developer, restaurateur and entrepreneur. As an executive member in the family owned Detroit development and management company, 400 Monroe Associates, Christos oversees the real estate holdings and management of nearly 3 million square feet of commercial, mixed-use, hospitality and industrial property. With a family company that has been real estate developers in Detroit for over 40 years, Christos utilizes his relationships in the private and public sector to manage all his projects especially with local, state and federal incentives. Christos was also an accomplished Cinematographer for over 20 years and has used his keen eye and artistic sensibility towards all of his developments. Christos is a board member of the Wayne County Sheriff Youth; Senior Education Fund as well as a Mayoral appointee on the Detroit Entertainment Commission.

Steve Ogden is Senior Vice President, Government Affairs at Rocket Companies. Ogden leads a team of people focused on strategy development, policy creation and engagement for the organization. Prior to his current role, Ogden played a significant role, leading initiatives throughout the family of companies, specifically as a Director of Corporate & Government Affairs at Rock Ventures and as the Director of Real Estate Development for Bedrock Real Estate Services (Bedrock).

Athina Papas is an Executive at the Atheneum Suite Hotel and Chair and President of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, Greektown’s community and economic development nonprofit organization. With longstanding roots in Downtown, her family’s legacy has helped shape our Central Business District through real estate development and management, hospitality, and small business. Papas also serves on the Boards of the Wayne County Airport Authority and Hellenic Museum of Michigan.

A native Detroiter, Dwight W. Phillips was a practicing attorney and shareholder in the law firm of Phifer, Phillips & White, P.C. The firm has been located in Downtown Detroit since its inception in 1981. Phillips was also the managing partner of Annis Historic Properties, P. C, which purchased and developed the L.B. King Building in 1986.

Khalil Rahal is Director of Economic Development at DTE Energy, where he leads initiatives to drive economic growth across Michigan. Prior to joining DTE, Rahal served as Chief Administrative Officer for Wayne County, managing divisions such as Economic Development, Public Services, and Budget. He also held roles as Economic Development Director and assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County and taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Rahal’s achievements include Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40, and he is active on boards like SMART, SEMCOG, and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He holds a JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a BA in Political Science from Grand Valley State University.

Tony Tomczak, now retired, was most recently Vice President of Electric Sales & Marketing for DTE Energy. Tomczak was responsible for developing and executing marketing and sales growth value add programs including Major Accounts, Community Lighting and Joint Use Businesses. Economic Development and business attraction were a vital and important responsibility of Tomczak’s role along with promoting and supporting customers in the transition to Electric Vehicles and Electrification.