DDP Board Members in the News
The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Board of Directors is a diverse, dedicated, and influential group of leaders, consisting of Fortune 500 executives, philanthropic leaders, civic institutions, and community voices united by a shared commitment to Detroit’s continued growth. We’re proud to share when these key leaders are elevated by the city, state, region, and country.
Their collective leadership not only supports DDP’s mission but actively shapes the future of the city – driving transformative initiatives, strengthening public spaces, and ensuring Detroit remains a nationally recognized, world-class Downtown.
Every year, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and the Detroit Free Press recognize leaders who are building bridges, fostering regional cooperation and working to unite communities.
Four community leaders, including two DDP Board of Directors, who are working to make a better region now and into the future, were honored during the 2026 Annual Shining Light Awards held at the Sound Board in the MotorCity Casino on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The reception was moderated by Carol Cain, host of “Michigan Matters,” on CBS Detroit.
Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, Receives Neal Shine Award For Exemplary Regional Leadership
At the 19th Annual Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards, DDP Board Member Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, received the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership at the Sound Board in the MotorCity Casino. The award was presented by Dan Shine, senior editor at Automotive News, son of the award’s namesake.
Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund & the Gilbert Family Foundation, Receives Dave Bing Young Leader Award
Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund and the Gilbert Family Foundation, gave a speech after accepting the Dave Bing Young Leader Award, named for Detroit’s former mayor who bestowed her with his namesake award, at the 19th Annual Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards.
Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health and winner of this year’s Neal Shine Award For Exemplary Regional Leadership, and Laura Grannemann, executive director of the Rocket Community Fund and the Gilbert Family Foundation, joined the fellow winner of the Dave Bing Young Leader Award Jeremiah Steen, a Detroit-Based philanthropic strategist, and youth governance advocate, and Dan Austin, director of editorial and communications at Michigan Central, and founder of HistoricDetroit.org, and winner of the Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award as the four leaders honored.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor and former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing were in attendance to celebrate these leaders.
See the full story on the Detroit Free Press website here.
