Experienced Leaders Elevated to Key Roles to Support Growth and Community Engagement
DETROIT (February 14, 2025) – The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) announces the promotion of Soula Burns and Elise Fields.
Burns will serve as vice president of fund development and partnerships. In her new role, she will lead all fundraising efforts, which include grants, major gifts, legacy giving, general membership, individual donor giving, and corporate partnerships. Burns has successfully secured naming rights sponsorships for DDP Signature Events including Detroit Aglow and Detroit Tree Lighting as well as increased overall corporate partnership support for the DDP.
Fields will serve as DDP’s senior director of urban innovation. In this role, she will lead DDP’s capital projects, urban innovation, and other special projects within the organization. She will also spearhead the expansion of DDP’s small business program and engagement work. Fields has successfully managed and implemented several infrastructure and planning projects and oversaw initiatives that were coordinated among DDP, City of Detroit and Downtown stakeholders. Fields is a board member of Midtown Detroit Inc.
“The DDP is glad to recognize the hard work and dedication of Soula and Elise, we value their commitment to our vision and values,” said Eric B. Larson, DDP CEO. Their promotions reflect their leadership, ingenuity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m confident they will continue to inspire and drive our company forward in new and exciting ways.”
About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to support and strengthen the Downtown community through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core and is responsible for programming, managing, and operating Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.
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