DDP Team

KaTaya is a project manager for the BIZ Ambassador team. She ensures the Ambassador program runs smoothly.

Iris is a graduate of Wayne State University. She serves as DDP’s development coordinator, supporting the organization’s fundraising efforts including the general membership program, grants, online giving, and events. She enjoys working for an organization that is dedicated to advancing Detroit.

Soula is a born and raised Detroiter who brings 25 years of sales and events experience to the DDP, including eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers. Most recently, she was with Bally Sports Detroit. When she’s not working hard to develop meaningful partnerships, you can find her kayaking out on the water with her husband Patrick.

Laura has been with the DDP since 2017. She coordinates and executes free community programming throughout the DDP’s six parks.

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.

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 Director of Urban Innovation and Operations, 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.

Alicia Gray is the executive assistant to DDP’s chief administrative officer and chief of public spaces officer. In her role, Alicia will be responsible for scheduling, budgeting, managing vendor contracts and supporting the organization’s various initiatives.

Alicia is a native Detroiter and most recently worked for Guaranteed Rate as a business development coordinator. Prior to this role, she held various senior executive assistant roles in healthcare administration. Alicia attended the University of Detroit Mercy for her undergraduate where she studied business administration and psychology.

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, and then the DDP in 2015 as operations field manager. “It is an honor to work for a company that has assisted with transforming the downtown into a vibrate, diverse, and inclusive area.

Krissy has been working for the DDP since 2016.

Talitha Johnson joined DDP in August as Director of Communications.  She will be leading messaging, content development, media and communications strategy for the organization.  She is a Detroit native and Wayne State University alum. She brings more than 10 years of experience to her role as DDP’s director of communications. Johnson recently served as marketing manager at Detroit Regional Partnership, where she helped promote the 11-county Detroit Region to regional and national audiences.

Maryann began her career with DDP over 22 years ago. 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 holds a BS from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy.

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. At DDP, 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.

John brings more than 20 years of business and operations management experience to the DDP. He has represented some of Metro Detroit’s premier entertainment venues throughout his career. John will play an integral role in supporting the organization’s operations and help to create memories for visitors from around Metro Detroit and beyond.

Mary works as the foundation and philanthropic relations partner with direct involvement in sponsorships, individual giving, online giving, and membership.

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 BIZ team in 2021 and has recently been promoted to operations manager. 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.

Jessica Tate is the executive assistant for the Business Improvement Zone (BIZ). She relocated from Florida and is a native of Puerto Rico. She has over 10 years of experience, having previously worked with corporate boards and executive leadership. Previously, she held positions as an executive assistant for the Florida-based Ferguson Enterprises and Advent Healthcare.

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 Detroit.