DDP Team

Cristina is an integral part of the fund development team, where she plays a key role in managing membership, giving, and strategic partnerships. With a passion for driving impact, she brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to her work. Cristina earned her undergraduate degree from The College of Wooster and went on to pursue a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management at Johns Hopkins University.

KaTaya is a project manager for the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) Ambassador team, ensuring the Ambassador program runs smoothly. The BIZ creates a clean, safe, and vibrant Downtown through services provided to property owners, businesses, residents and employees.

Patricia is responsible for vendor management, coordinating office moves, maintaining daily office operations, and negotiating and purchasing office supplies and equipment.

Soula is a born and raised Detroiter who brings 25 years of experience in sales and events partnerships including eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers. In her role at DDP she leads all fundraising efforts, which include grants, major gifts, legacy giving, general membership, individual donor giving, and corporate partnerships. Soula is passionate about advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as supporting several local animal rescue and adoption organizations.

As a staff accountant, Crystal is responsible for general cost accounting, preparing and maintaining financial records to track the organization’s assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liabilities, and other related financial activities. Crystal has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Oakland University, and she has 16 years of accounting experience working with accounting software for various companies.

Laura oversees 1,200+ annual events across DDP’s 18 parks and public spaces like Campus Martius Park, drawing over 4.5 million visitors a year. She collaborates with community partners, small business owners and artists to provide free, diverse programming, including the Detroit Tree Lighting and headline concerts. Laura champions immersive experiences, curating acclaimed installations like Swinging Bells and Horizon at Beacon Park. A Certified Meetings Professional, her extensive career includes experiential campaigns for Chevy and Ford, and event planning for The Henry Ford Museum. Her work reflects her commitment to Detroit’s cultural vibrancy and community development.

Isaac supports the coordination, administration, documentation, and communication of projects within DDP’s Urban Innovation department. Isaac attended Bowling Green State University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Architectural and Environmental Design.

Ryan has been affiliated with the Downtown Detroit Partnership since 2013. He was operations manager for Clean Detroit and has managed the Business Improvement Zone operations since its inception in 2014. Ryan now is working with the Detroit Grand Prix as operations manager.

With over twenty years of experience, James has helped inform citywide policy, infrastructure, transportation, and development planning. His Downtown work includes placemaking and public space improvements to Campus Martius Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, and the Woodward Esplanade. Previous projects include completion of the 7.2 Sq Mi Report on Greater Downtown Detroit and the Greater Downtown Transit-Oriented Development Strategy. James received his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan. Additionally, James was a key strategist on the Detroit Future City Strategic Framework Plan, and is also the founding principal of Detroit-based urban design practice City Form Detroit.

Alex works with the DDP’s operational staff, providing oversight of the public space assets and facilities. Previously, Alex served as the general manager of The Rink at Campus Martius Park for 17 years. Additionally, he also brings to his role his expertise from his time as a film, TV, and commercial location manager working with Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Amazon Studios, and several other commercial production companies.

Elise holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University. She has 15 years of experience working in the non-profit community and economic development sector in Detroit. As Senior Director of Urban Innovation, she provides critical support and management for the DDP BIZ Ambassador and Clean Detroit programs and provides support for capital projects, urban innovation, and other special projects within the organization. Prior to joining the DDP she was the Chief Operating Officer for Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI), working directly on operations and program management. She provided direct oversight of the organizations Façade Matching Grant program, Small Business Development & Assistance program, Public Space Maintenance initiatives, Grants, and a number of MDI’s district planning efforts.

Sharon leads the DDP’s marketing, communications, digital and brand recognition strategies; and works with media to share DDP’s story, mission, vision and core values to drive awareness of the role the organization plays in Detroit. Sharon provides leadership to advance the corporate messaging and brand management strategy across all DDP business units. She holds a BA from the School of Communication at San Diego State University, an MA in Social Sciences from University of Chicago, and achieved her APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) in 2011.

In Alicia’s pivotal role, she expertly manages scheduling, budgeting, vendor contracts, and provides unwavering support for the organization’s multifaceted initiatives. With over a decade of experience supporting C-suite executives, Alicia held various senior executive assistant roles in healthcare administration, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability. Alicia attended the University of Detroit Mercy for her undergraduate where she studied Business Administration and Psychology. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace in spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations through travel, and immersing herself in the world of music and art.

As a Detroit native, Valarie strongly supports the Downtown Detroit community in lifestyle, work, and as a resident. She brings over 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit and corporate sector with a focus on events, finance, HR, and fundraising. Valerie transferred from the Detroit Grand Prix supporting its president.

Valerie attended WCCCD and received her AA in Paralegal Technology. After receiving a presidential academic scholarship, she continued her education at Loyola University Chicago in an accelerated program with studies in Management and Certification as a Paralegal. She enjoys live entertainment, electronic music, sports, competitive cooking, and walks along the Detroit Riverwalk.

A native Detroiter, Cliff attended Michigan State University but returned to Detroit to become a police officer. He pivoted again in 2003 to join the Detroit Event Team L.L.C. as an operations manager. In 2015, he joined the DDP in 2015 as operations field manager. Cliff says, “It is an honor to work for a company that has assisted with transforming the Downtown into a vibrate, diverse, and inclusive area.”

Krissy oversees accounting practices such as general cost accounting, preparing and maintaining financial records to track the organization’s assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liabilities, and other related financial activities. She has been working with the DDP since 2016.

Talitha leads messaging, content development, media and communications strategy for the DDP. She is a Detroit native and Wayne State University alum. She brings more than 12 years of experience to her role as DDP’s director of communications. In her past role, Talitha was the marketing manager at Detroit Regional Partnership, where she helped promote the 11-county Detroit Region to regional and national audiences.

Jessica’s 15 years of accounting experience with a focus on construction accounting and tracking support her work at the DDP. In addition to her work with DDP, she is a property accountant for Community Capital Consulting, LLC. Jessica is an alumnus of Jackson Community College, and she enjoys working to promote urban sprawl.

Maryann began her career with DDP in 2000. The opportunity to become part of an organization so vital to Detroit aligned perfectly with Maryann’s love for the city and led to her current role. Maryann’s contributions help the DDP continue to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. Maryann holds a BS from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Josh works closely with the City of Detroit, Downtown developers, and business owners to track building development, develop growth metrics, manage special projects, and calculate special assessments. Josh received a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and has worked in the public sector, private sector consulting, and nonprofit data worlds.

Rory supports the Senior Events Manager with event planning, promotions, and execution of all DDP events, including DDP signature events, Downtown Detroit BIZ events, Parks and Public Spaces events, and park rentals. Rory began her time with DDP in 2022 as a Small Business and Events Intern before transitioning to her current, full-time role as Event Coordinator in 2024. Rory holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supervisory Management from Western Connecticut State University.

Elisa role supports the DDP team, working closely with the Parks and Public Spaces team. She previously worked in Grand Rapids as an accountant for a family office. Over the past few years, she has developed a passion for local art and music, and she is glad to be part of an organization that furthers development within the city. Elisa attended Grand Valley State University for her undergraduate degree.

As a key member of the Parks and Public Spaces team, Bri helps bring 1,200+ annual events to life across DDP’s 18 Parks and Public Spaces. She works closely with the DDP team and community partners to coordinate diverse, free programming that attracts millions of visitors to Downtown Detroit every year.

Bri previously worked for the Detroit Grand Prix as an Event Services Coordinator, where she assisted the Event Director and Volunteer Services Manager with the operation and administration of their 1,500-member volunteer organization with the Detroit Grand Prix Association (DGPA). Additionally, Bri served as the Beverage & Special Projects Manager at Jonathan Witz & Associates in Royal Oak for four years.

Chelsea is dedicated to delivering exceptional service to partners, ensuring they have a rewarding experience with DDP. With over eight years of experience in sponsorship sales, activations, event and vendor management, she has successfully organized a diverse range of events and innovative sponsor engagements.

Emma supports the Marketing and Communication team and coordinates integrated marketing efforts for the DDP and BIZ. Her expertise in social media, website management, email marketing, video journalism, and content creation helps enhance DDP’s brand awareness and engage stakeholders. Her passions for marketing and supporting the community drive her work at the DDP. Emma graduated from Grand Valley State University where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing.

Escarleth is a data-driven urban planner with a background in architecture, visual communication, and urban research. In her role, she leverages her expertise in data analysis and tools like ArcGIS to drive strategic decision-making and enhance marketing initiatives. With experience managing urban planning projects related to housing, mobility, and land use, Escarleth is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable cities through community engagement and innovative solutions. She holds a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University.

Melissa is responsible for managing the daily facilities, amenities, maintenance, and operational activity of Downtown’s 18 Parks and Public Spaces. Having more than five years of leadership experience, she also brings operational skills to her role. Melissa is OSHA certified with certificates in HVAC and electricity. She inspires team members and creates a culture of fun, care, and accountability.

Anjana leads the marketing and communications efforts for the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone, including small business engagement and the BIZ Ambassadors. She has a passion for storytelling and people, and experience as an award-winning television producer has sharpened her attention to detail and strategic decision-making skills. Anjana has been on the DDP team since October 2017.

DeShawn joined the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone team in 2021. He plays a significant role in the DDP’s safety and security program, overseeing its security vendors, Project Lighthouse initiative, and facilitating collaboration at monthly CompStat meetings. He also leads a team of young interns and high school students by assisting in their professional development.

Sarah oversees and manages all DDP, BIZ, and Parks and Public Spaces events including DDP’s signature events, BIZ Connects, and special Parks and Public Spaces programming.

Kitty is a native Detroiter with over 30 years of customer and public service experience. She is devoted to the continued growth of businesses in Downtown Detroit. Kitty was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the Detroit community – named Overall Service Champion at the 2023 Rose Awards.