Leadership. Influence. Vision. Southeastern Michigan’s Most Powerful African American Leaders
Foreword
By James Kenyon
When the Michigan Chronicle set out to name the 50 most powerful Black men and women in Detroit, we first had to ask ourselves: What is power? Answering that question is particularly relevant now as Detroit fights its way out of bankruptcy. Every day, individuals with varying degrees of power and influence struggle to reach the so-called grand bargain. Some of the key players – like Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr, who is one our list are continuously in the news. Others are battling just as fervently, but far from media scrutiny. Yet, the grand bargain is not the only game in town where powerful forces, and people, are at work. While it may seem like Detroit’s bankruptcy – the largest ever of any municipality in America – will be a curse unto countless generations, we firmly believe that this too shall pass, although not without significant pain. In the meantime, Detroiters must continue to meet the day-to-day challenges of living in the here and now, while simultaneously working to create a better future in The D. Citizens can’t do it alone. They must rely on thousands of individuals engaged in politics, business, religion, labor, the law, philanthropy and community organization to help them achieve their dreams. Which tools must these individuals have in order to be considered powerful? After strenuous debate and careful analysis, we came up with four criteria that the Power 50 possess: Influence, Leadership, Collaboration and Vision. Influence – The term “mover and shaker” is seldom used anymore to describe people with power, yet it’s a phrase that still resonates when arriving at a simple truth: Power is about getting things done. When necessary, power shakes up the status quo in order to achieve the desired goals and objectives. Whether through reputation, job position, contacts, money, political clout, name recognition, following, or other means, powerful people use their influence to alter events and make things happen. Even when there are setbacks, people with influence – like U.S. Congressman John Conyers – are able to overcome and advance. Leadership – Are leaders born or are they made? In the midst of change and uncertainty, the question is irrelevant. Whatever its source, leadership is essential in marshalling the people and resources needed to confront the challenges we face. Leaders are powerful because the best of them have the positive qualities and skills that turn problems into solutions, and setbacks into opportunities. While Detroit, like every other city one can name, has seen its share of bad leaders, today we are fortunate to be surrounded by a plethora of strong, honest and courageous leaders – like City Council President Brenda Jones – who have stepped up to help move the city forward. Vision – Some leaders, like Bishop Edgar Van of Second Ebenezer Church, are visionary. They have the ability to see beyond the next year to a time and a place that others never considered. To have a vision that people understand and are willing to take as their own is powerful. Individuals so-blessed would agree with the words of management consultant Peter Drucker, who wrote, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Collaboration – The leaders of Russia and Iran are able to wield power in a vacuum, but in this part of the world, leaders must be collaborators in order to be effective. In a democracy, power is held across a wide spectrum of individuals, institutions, political affiliations, interest groups, agencies, etc. The ability to align disparate entities into a united and cooperative whole is an art, and a source of power. This skill is one of the reasons that Faye Alexander Nelson was successful as President & CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. She is no less collaborative as vice president of public affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. The Michigan Chronicle congratulates all those who made the inaugural Power 50 List. Going forward, we encourage this group, as well as all those working hard to serve Detroit, to remember the words of Benjamin Disraeli, who twice served as Prime Minister of Great Britain in the 19th century: “Power has only one duty - to secure the social welfare of the people.”
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Table of Contents Letter from Publisher Most dictionaries define power as the ability or capacity to act or do something effectively. They additionally define powerful people as those having and using great authority and commanding influence. As we unveil this inaugural edition of the Michigan Chronicle Power 50, we take that definition a step further to include one’s ability to make a long and lasting difference. Inside, we unveil our inaugural list of Southeastern Michigan’s 50 Most Powerful African Americans. The list represents a cross-section of powerbrokers, who are not only movers and shakers themselves, but have the unique skillset to make others and shake to reach goals. The influence of these distinHiram E. Jackson move guished individuals has few barriers—crossing geographical, Publisher socioeconomic, racial and political lines. Our Power 50 impact Michigan Chronicle a wide range of sectors including automotive, media, hospitality, CEO, Real Times Media business, finance, education, philanthropy, and many more. We realize that there are more than 50 African Americans in metro Detroit with tremendous power, however; our list was compiled based upon the individuals’ impact on Detroit and beyond. I encourage you to read about the Michigan Chronicle’s list of Southeastern Michigan’s 50 African American powerbrokers and share your thoughts with us. Find us online at www.michiganchronicle.com, follow us on Twitter @MIChronicle and like us on Facebook at Michigan Chronicle.
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Foreword by James Kenyon Letter From the Publisher Automotive Business Civic and Government Education Finance Hospitality Media Healthcare/ Philanthropy Professional Services Spirituality Union
Managing Editors:
Jasmen Jackson, / Tatiana Jackson
Graphic Designer:
Juan Sifuentes
Photography by:
Monica Morgan Photography Cyndi Elledge, Photographer Assistant Khadija Abdur-Rahmaan, Photographer Assistant David Watkins, Oxygen Photography
Make-Up Artist:
Princess Galloway
Real times media Board of Directors Power 50 • 2014 3
Automotive
The Automotive Industry and Power Detroit is the automobile capital of the world, and the city that put the world on wheels. Therefore, true automotive power still reverberates from and through this town to reach a global sector of consumers. While the automotive industry in Detroit, and across the nation is not as massive as it once was, it still is major enough for the United States government to take action on a couple of occasions to help the industry when it was in distress, based on the negative impact that not helping it would have had on America’s economy. There are many African Americans that have, and continue to be major decision makers in the automotive industry. General Motors’ Alicia Boler-Davis, senior vice president, global quality & customer experience, is a mega decision maker, as she is the world’s highest ranking and most powerful African American female in the automobile industry. Michigan Chronicle’s most powerful African Americans in the automotive industry are: Alicia Boler-Davis, General Motors’ senior vice president, global quality & customer experience; Felicia Fields, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president, human resources and corporate services; Rodney O’Neil, Delphi Automotive, PLC president & CEO; Vivian R. Pickard, General Motors’ president, GM Foundation & director of corporate relations; Leon Richardson, Chemico-Mays’ president & CEO; and Edward T. Welburn, Jr., General Motors’ vice president of global design.
Alicia Boler-Davis
Senior Vice President, Global Quality & Customer Experience General Motors Alicia Boler-Davis was named Senior Vice President, Global Quality & Customer Experience effective July 1, 2013. This appointment expanded her customer experience role from a U.S. position to oversee the rest of the world where GM does business.
In February 2012, Ms. Boler-Davis was appointed to U.S. Vice President, Customer Experience. Later that year, her role was expanded to Vice President, Global Quality and U.S. Customer Experience. Previously, Ms. Boler-Davis was plant manager of Orion Assembly and Pontiac Stamping simultaneously. This appointment included the dual role of vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer, North America Small Cars, which she held until January 2011. This dual role was the first and only time in GM’s history that one manager had performed in this capacity. “I was responsible for the total program for the North American Chevrolet Sonic,” says Davis. “This included engineering, profitability, and ensuring that both manufacturing sites were ready to build the Chevrolet Sonic Power 50 • 2014 4
and Buick Verano. On any given day, I could be found at the Tech Center in Warren or at Orion Assembly or at Pontiac Stamping. This role also required extensive travel to Korea and China to collaborate with the Global Team about product engineering issues or benchmark manufacturing processes.” Davis is actively involved with several organizations, including the Links, Inc. of Oakland County. She also serves on the board of trustees of Care House of Oakland County. She has been recognized and honored in the automotive industry as well as in the community. Automotive News included her on their list of “100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry” for 2010, and the Michigan Chronicle’s “Women of Excellence” for 2011. Ms. Boler-Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in engineering science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Automotive
Felicia J. Fields
Rodney O’Neal
Vivian R. Pickard
Leon C. Richardson
Felicia J. Fields has been Group Vice President for Human Resources and Corporate Services since March 25, 2008. She leads the global Human Resources and Corporate Services functions for Ford Motor Company. In this position, Fields provides expertise in key human resources capabilities including succession planning and talent management, strategic workforce planning, compensation and benefits, organization development, recruiting, and leadership and professional development.
Rodney O’Neal is chief executive officer and president of Delphi Automotive PLC, a global automotive supplier with operations in 32 countries.
As president of the General Motors Foundation and director of Corporate Relations for General Motors Company, Vivian R. Pickard is responsible for leading the company’s strategies for both of these business units.
Leon C. Richardson was born in Hamtramck, Michigan, and was raised in West Haven, Connecticut. He served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years achieving the enlisted rank of Sergeant. He attended the University of Maryland for Business Management and continued his pursuit of a Business Management Degree at the Detroit College of Business. Mr. Richardson has also completed several executive management programs at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and Ross School of Business at University of Michigan.
Group Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services Ford Motor Company
Fields is a member of the Board of the Inforum Center for Leadership and the Women’s Health Advisory Council at Oakwood Hospital. She was formerly on the Board of Directors for the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) and served as Vice Chair of the Governance Committee. Some recognitions include, 2010 Black Enterprise Most Powerful Women in Business, American Society of Employers (ASE) 2009 HR Executive of the Year, Michigan Chronicle’s 2009 Women of Excellence Award, and 2010 Automotive News “Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry”. Fields is a proud third-generation Ford employee. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with high distinction from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. She has various certifications in leadership development, personal effectiveness and diversity.
Chief Executive Officer and President Delphi Automotive PLC
O’Neal began his career with General Motors while attending General Motors Institute (now Kettering University). After graduation, he held a number of engineering, production and manufacturing supervisory positions with the company in locations throughout the United States, Portugal and Canada. O’Neal previously served as president of Delphi’s Interior Systems Division and later held executive roles in several Delphi divisions before becoming the company’s president and chief operating officer in 2005. Two years later, he was named the chief executive officer. As CEO, O’Neal led Delphi through a historic transformation, positioning the company as a technological leader with revenues in excess of $16 billion. O’Neal serves on the honorary board of directors for Real Life 101 and formerly served on the board of directors for INROADS Inc., the Sprint Nextel Corporation and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. O'Neal earned a bachelor's degree from General Motors Institute and a master’s degree from Stanford University. He currently serves on the board of directors for Delphi.
President, General Motors Foundation Corporate Relations Director, General Motors Company
Widely recognized for her dedication to community service, Ms. Pickard received the 2014 Gamma Lambda Distinguished Service Award for Education and the Global Community Award at the 2014 North American International Auto Show Multicultural Media Luncheon. Other awards include 2013 Women of Achievement Award from Michigan Women’s Foundation, Arab American and Chaldean Council’s 2013 Community Leadership Award, Savoy Magazine’s 2012 Top Influential Women in Corporate America Award, and 2011 Rainbow PUSH Bridge Builder Award. The GM Foundation and GM have received a significant number of awards and recognitions under her leadership including the 2014 National Association of Broadcasters’ Corporate Leadership Award. Ms. Pickard serves on the board of many organizations including Fifth Third Bank – Eastern Michigan, Habitat for Humanity International, the Detroit Economic Club, Inforum, and St. John Health System. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, NAACP, National Black MBA Association, and The Links, Inc.
President and Chief Executive Officer ChemicoMays, LLC
On September 13, 1989, Chemico Systems, Inc. opened its doors for business with Leon C. Richardson as President. Chemico supplies chemical products and chemical management services to several industries throughout North America. In August, 2006, Chemico Systems and Mays Chemical Company created the joint venture, ChemicoMays, LLC. Combined, the organization has over 250 employees, operates eight facilities in North America and Puerto Rico. Mr. Richardson currently serves as chairman of the National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers, is a board member of both the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, and the General Motors Supplier Diversity Counsel. Mr. Richardson also serves as an executive board member of two organizations recognized for environmental compliance, Chemical Strategies Partnership and Suppliers Partnership for the Environment. Power 50 • 2014 5
Automotive Ed Welburn
Vice President of Global Design General Motors Ed Welburn was named vice president of General Motors Design North America on October 1, 2003, becoming just the sixth Design leader in GM history. On March 1, 2005, Welburn was named to the newly created position of GM vice president, Global Design, and the first to lead all of the company’s Global Design Centers. Welburn also serves on the company’s Executive Operations Committee. Under Welburn’s leadership, GM’s network of ten Design Centers in seven countries around the world has created numerous award-winning production models and concepts for the company’s global brands. These include the recently-introduced Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Cadillac CTS, along with the Cadillac Elmiraj concept car. Welburn was born in Philadelphia, where
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his passion for car design began at an early age. At the age of eleven, he wrote a letter to GM Design saying he wanted to be a car designer. The company wrote back, and recommended the steps he needed to take to achieve his dream. Welburn received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, where he studied sculpture and product design.
Business Gregory A. Eaton Partner Metro Cars
Gregory A. Eaton is a Partner & Legislative Consultant with 42 years of experience in various interests. He is the first African American lobbyist & partner with a multi-client lobbying firm, Karoub Associates. The brilliances of his achievements are legion. Gregory was the owner and president of Greg’s Janitorial for two decades. He has partnerships in housing projects in Sturgis and Three Rivers. The proprietor of Gregory’s Restaurant in Lansing since 1972. He is also the owner of the Lansing nightspot, “Gregory’s Ice & Smoke”; and his sedan service in Detroit for several years “Metro Cars”. As a child growing up in Lansing, MI, Greg had a lively curiosity about business and entrepreneurship. He shined shoes, raked the neighbors’ yard, and had a paper route – all activities that whet the capitalistic appetite of a youngster that grew into a forward-thinking businessman who knew a business opportunity when he saw one. Fast forward to the 80s, Mr. Eaton read an article about how political activist Ralph Nader loathed visiting Detroit because of lack of
transportation at the airport, Eaton set out to change that perspective. He presented his luxury transportation service idea to his old friends, former Mayor Coleman Young and former Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara. Metro Cars, Inc. started with 30 Cadillacs and has grown to employ 650 people and now over 400 pieces of equipment, including sedans, stretch limousines, limousine coaches, executive vans, shuttles and luxury motor coaches. Gregory is a member of the Michigan Black Caucus, MSU Beaumont Tower Society, MSU President’s Club, United Negro College Fund, Renaissance Club, Masons, Shriners, Ele’s Place, Ronald McDonald House, and Special Olympics. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP. He sits on the board for the Accident Fund, Old Kent, Republic Bank, and Stem Cell Reach Center. He attended J.W. Sexton High School. A father of three and a lifelong resident of Lansing.
Ron Hall - President/CEO Power 50 • 2014 7
Business
Joel Ferguson
Michael A. Finney
Gregory Jackson
James Jenkins
Joel Ferguson, a voice for civil rights in 1967, became the first African-American and youngest member elected to the Lansing City Council, and the first African-American to serve on the Ingham County Board of Supervisors.
Michael A. Finney is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a public-private partnership serving as the state's lead agency for business and job growth, talent enhancement, tourism marketing, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. His responsibilities at MEDC also include serving as Governor Rick Snyder’s Economic Growth Group Executive and as President and Chairman of the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Gregory Jackson is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Automotive Management. Jackson Automotive Management consists of Prestige Automotives’ four auto dealerships: Mercedes-Benz of St. Clair Shores, Toyota of Warren, MI, Courtesy Ford of Lansing, MI and Prestige Cadillac of Warren, MI. Prestige Automotive has owned eighteen dealerships.
James “Jim” Jenkins, President of Jenkins Construction, Inc., has over 45 years of experience in the construction industry. Jim started Jenkins Construction in the City of Detroit in 1989, as a full service firm that offers general contracting, construction management, and design build services to a broad range of clients. As President of Jenkins Construction, he manages the company’s top level supervisors and allocates the required resources to successfully complete each project.
Chairman Ferguson Development LLC
Joel is the co-founder of F&S Development Company, the developer of 15 multi-family residential complexes throughout Michigan. In 1980, he was the co-founder of WFSL-TV, Channel 47, a Lansing independent affiliate. In addition, Joel was the founder of WLAJ-TV, Channel 53, and Lansing’s ABC affiliate. Joel has been a four time state-wide elected member of Michigan State Board of Trustees of which he currently serves as Chairman. He is a life member of the NAACP, receiving the Truth and Justice Award. Ferguson joined the Board of Directors of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and in 2005 became Vice President. In 1987 Joel received the NAACP- A. Philip Randolph Institute Award for achievements, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the people. In 2013, Joel was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame and was given the ‘Richard Letts Community Service’ Award. On Martin Luther King Day 2014, Joel received the Martin Luther King Legacy and Service Award.
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President and Chief Executive Officer Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Under Mike’s leadership, the MEDC developed Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), one of the most innovative economic development programs in the country. PMBC provides comprehensive business development, capital access, talent enhancement and marketing assistance to Michigan based companies. PMBC is quickly becoming a national model for economic development.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jackson Automotive Management
Jackson owned and operated a gourmet cookie business; a small accounting firm and he invested in real estate. It wasn’t until he entered General Motors’ Minority Dealer Training Program that he found his niche. He completed the program in 1989, worked at several dealerships in various capacities while searching for a dealership to buy. In addition to automotive interests; Jackson owns Jackson Asset Management consisting of Wink Entertainment (Copper Ridge Golf Course and Banquet Center in Davison, Mich.); Jackson Land Holdings consisting of multi-unit apartment communities (Lafayette Towers in Downtown Detroit) and various commercial office buildings in Midtown Detroit. Mr. Jackson is also an owner and a member of the Board of Directors of Body Blocks Inc. which operates two separate Chinese / American joint venture enterprises based in Beijing and Wuhu, China. Jackson is a graduate of Morris Brown College and The Atlanta University Graduate School of Business (MBA in Finance).
President Jenkins Construction, Inc.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee State University and holds the following Professional Affiliations: Detroit Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Executive Board Member NAACP, and Board member of the Cranbrook HUB Advisory Board to name a few. Jim is a native of Detroit and is most proud of creating opportunities for the employees of his company and making a commitment to the community at large.
Civic and Government Kym L. Worthy Prosecutor Wayne County
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy received her degree in economics and political science from the University of Michigan, and her law degree from the University of Notre Dame School of Law. She began her legal career at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and in 1989, she became the first African-American selected by the office as a Special Assignment Prosecutor. She specialized in high profile murder cases, including the prosecution of Toni Cato Riggs (convicted of the murder of her husband, a returning Gulf War Veteran) and of two Detroit Police Officers convicted in the beating death of motorist Malice Green. In 1994, Worthy was elected to the Wayne County Circuit Court. As a judge, she served on numerous court committees and sat on the Board of Directors for the Wayne County Criminal Advocacy Program. On January 6, 2004, Worthy returned to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, as the Wayne County Prosecutor, the first African American and the first female to hold the position.
Worthy is an adjunct professor of criminal law at the University of Detroit/Mercy and has lectured at Harvard Law School, the University of Notre Dame Law School, Wayne State University In 2008 Worthy charged and successfully prosecuted ex-mayor of Detroit Kwame M. Kilpatrick and his former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty. She has been widely acknowledged for her courage and integrity in charging a case that could have negatively impacted her political career. Worthy is active in The United Way, The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, The Lead Poisoning Task Force of Michigan, the Optimist Club, and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She created the Alexandra Simone Fund for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Henry Ford Hospital in memory of her deceased daughter.
City, County, State, Federal Officials and Power For decades, the city of Detroit was the Black Mecca of America, and boasted of having more African American elected officials than any other major city in the country. While the overall population has dropped from almost two million people in 1950, to approximately 700,000 today, Detroit, a city that once was home to almost one million Black people, still has a strong Black city government representation. Granted, Kevyn Orr, the city’s emergency manager at this point in time, is the most powerful African American that controls Detroit’s city government. His powers have usurped those of the current mayor and city council. However, a transfer of power back to the mayor, city council and the people, may be just weeks away, as the EM and the governor contemplate their next move of defusing the EM’s power and position in the city. On a boarder scale, which means county-wide, no African American – man or woman - is more powerful in the law than Kym Worthy, Wayne County prosecutor. With a reputation of integrity, having vast knowledge of the law, and the consistent demonstration of pure respect to protect the people of Wayne County, in the name of the law, Worthy’s powerful role and accomplishments supersedes any distractors’ assessment of Wayne
County’s most powerful protector – Black or White. Michigan Chronicle’s most powerful African Americans in civic government are: Dave Bing, former mayor, city of Detroit; John Conyers, Jr., 13th Congressional District, United States House of Representatives; Cathy M. Garrett, County Clerk, Wayne County; Saunteel Jenkins, council-at-large, Detroit City Council; Brenda Jones, council president, Detroit City Council; Judge Damon J. Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit; Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence, City of Southfield; Wayne County Sherriff Benny Napoleon, Wayne County; Kevyn Orr, emergency manager, city of Detroit; Janice Winfrey, city clerk, city of Detroit; Kym L. Worthy, prosecutor, Wayne County; and Judge Robert P. Young, Jr., chief justice, Michigan Supreme Court.
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Civic and Government
The Honorable Dave Bing Former Mayor City of Detroit
The Honorable Dave Bing was elected the 62nd mayor of the City of Detroit in May of 2009. A native of Washington, D.C., Bing is a graduate of Syracuse University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, and was later bestowed an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree in 2006. He was also a standout basketball player and an All American in both high school and college. Bing came to Detroit in 1966 when he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as their first pick. Voted one of the top 50 basketball players of all time, Bing was inducted into the Michigan Hall of Fame in 1984, and into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1990. Bing founded an automotive supply corporation, The Bing Group in 1980, where he served as president and chairman until April of 2009. The Bing Group was recognized as one of the nation’s top minority-owned companies by Black Enterprise. He is married to Yvette Bing, with whom he has shared more than 23 years. He is also the proud father of three, and grandfather of four.
U.S Representative The Honorable John Conyers Jr.
Cathy M. Garrett
Saunteel Jenkins
Representative John Conyers, Jr., a Detroit Democrat, was re-elected to represent the 13th Congressional District in November of 2010, to his 24th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district covers all of Highland Park and Hamtramck, as well as large portions of Detroit, Dearborn and the Downriver communities of Melvindale, Allen Park, Southgate, Riverview, Trenton, Gibraltar and Grosse Ile.
The Honorable Cathy M. Garrett is a respected political leader; she has earned a reputation as “the people’s clerk” for her ongoing efforts to educate residents about how their government works, including the many services available to them through the Wayne County Clerk’s office.
Saunteel Jenkins is a lifelong Detroiter who is dedicated to the betterment of the city. Ms. Jenkins earned her bachelor’s and master’s in social work from Wayne State University.
Representative, 13th District of Michigan U.S. House of Representatives
Having entered the House of Representatives in 1965, Mr. Conyers is the second most senior member in the House of Representatives. Congressman Conyers is also one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and is considered the Dean of that group. Born in 1929, Rep. Conyers was raised in Detroit and educated in the city's public school system. After serving in the National Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the Korean War, he returned to Michigan where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts (1957) and Juris Doctor (1958) degrees at Wayne State University.
Clerk Wayne County
Some of her major achievements as Wayne County Clerk are the transformation of the Clerk’s office into a more efficient, customer-focused model of excellence in government services. Garrett selected the unified voting system for Wayne County bringing the county’s voting process into the 21st century by producing “real time election results”, opened two satellite offices: the Western Wayne office in Westland and Northville Township office, condensed the Personal Protection Order (PPO) process from four steps to a single step and instituted a “same-day” marriage licensing process that waives the former three-day waiting period. Clerk Garrett is currently serving her 4th term of office. She serves a county with a population of 1.8 million residents, and is responsible for managing an annual budget of $23.7 million and has a workforce of 300 employees.
Council-At-Large City of Detroit
She was first elected to Detroit City Council in November 2009. In July 2013, was elected by her colleagues to serve as Council President – first council member in over 90 years to be elected by the body for President. In November 2013, Saunteel was re-elected, under the new Council by district system, as one of two at-large council members. As chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, from 2010 to 2013, she passed over 80 ordinances, which resulted in over 10,000 new jobs in Detroit. Jenkins has served as Chair of the City Council Rules Committee, a trustee for the General Retirement System, member of the Detroit Public Schools Bond Oversight and Fiscal Responsibility Committee, and co-chair for the Partnership for a Drug Free Detroit. Prior to her election to Detroit City Council, Jenkins served as Director of the residential treatment program at Mariners Inn. Before Mariners Inn, Jenkins was National Business Development Director for Platform Learning. She served six years as a policy analyst and chief of staff to Maryann Mahaffey.
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Civic and Government
Brenda Jones
City Council President City of Detroit
Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones began her career in public service with election to council in November 2005. Running on the JONES platform: Jobs, Opportunities, Neighborhoods, Education and Safety, her message gained great popularity among the citizens. She was re-elected in 2009 and in 2013, President Jones received the most votes over all candidates. President Jones was appointed to the Police & Fire Pension Board in 2010 and serves as the chairperson of the Skilled Trades and Military Veterans Task Forces. On January 6, 2014, Ms. Jones was elected to lead as council president. Taking office during a very difficult time in Detroit’s history, President Jones has restored respect and professional courtesy by collaborating and communicating with citizens, peers, the Mayor and others. President Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University and completed Wayne’s Labor School. She has received numerous awards, recognition and works tirelessly to address issues that impact the quality of life in Detroit… so much that she was named “The Citizen’s Voice!” She continues to be an advocate for hope, engagement and positive change.
The Honorable Damon J. Keith
Judge United States Court of Appeals-Sixth Circuit
Damon J. Keith has served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit since 1977. Prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeals, Judge Keith served as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Judge Keith is a graduate of West Virginia State College (B.A. 1943), Howard University Law School (J.D. 1949) and Wayne State University Law School (LL.M. 1956). In 2011, the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University Law School opened its doors. In 2013, the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Program was established at his alma mater, West Virginia State University. In the fall of that year, WVSU began construction on the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall, a 30 million dollar residence hall scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. A biography of Judge Keith, written by Professor Peter Hammer, the director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights and columnist Trevor W. Coleman, with a Foreword by Mitch Albom, is entitled Crusader for Justice: Federal Judge Damon J. Keith. Wayne State University Press published it in November 2013.
The Honorable Brenda L. Lawrence
Benny N. Napoleon, J.D.
Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence is a long-time resident of the City of Southfield. A product of Michigan’s public school system, Mayor Lawrence is an alumna of Pershing High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Benny N. Napoleon, a lifelong Detroiter and Cass Tech graduate, served in the Detroit Police Department at every level of command, investigation and administration before being appointed Chief in 1998. After 26 years of distinguished service, Napoleon retired in 2001. He was appointed Assistant Wayne County Executive in 2004 until he was named Wayne County Sheriff in July 2009—to which he was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2012 with 75 percent of the vote.
Mayor City of Southfield
Ms. Lawrence was elected Mayor of the City of Southfield in November of 2001. She is the first African American and first woman mayor of Southfield. Mayor Lawrence has initiated the following community programs: The Mayor’s Walk community health program; Let's Move-Healthy Kids Summer Camp Mayor’s Roundtable - a citizen driven forum where residents can discuss one-on-one topics of concern. Mayor Lawrence joined over 600 other Mayors in signing the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Mayor Lawrence is also a member the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Board of Trustees, and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women,” just to name a few.
Sheriff Wayne County
Career highlights as Chief of Police include swiftly apprehending 10 escapees from Ryan Correctional; implementing a plan that eliminated shootings on DPS campuses; and reducing violent crime an unprecedented 30% in Detroit. As Sheriff, Napoleon has aggressively increased electronic monitoring (tether) saving $25 million annually, implemented new food services contracts which is also cutting costs and reinstituted Jailer’s Training Academies to hire critically needed jail personnel. Napoleon holds a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice, a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State, is a licensed attorney, 33rd degree Mason, former Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and has served as a professor of Criminal Justice.
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Civic and Government
Kevyn Orr
Janice M. Winfrey
The Honorable Robert P. Young Jr.
Kevyn Orr is the Emergency Manager of the City of Detroit, Michigan. He was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder on March 14, 2013 and was charged with restructuring the City. Orr has practiced law in the areas of business restructuring, financial institution regulation, and commercial litigation for three decades.
As City Clerk for Detroit, Janice M. Winfrey has three charter-mandated roles: Official Record Keeper, Clerk to the Detroit City Council and Chief Elections Officer. As the official record keeper for the city, it is the responsibility of the City Clerk to ensure that our citizens, and other interested parties, have access to current archived records. Serving as Clerk to the Council has allowed her to improve the legislative process by digitizing records, providing government transparency and ensuring that citizens have greater accessibility to local government.
Robert P. Young, Jr. has served on the Michigan Supreme Court since 1999 and as Chief Justice since 2011 where he has been dedicated to transforming Michigan’s judiciary into a more efficient and customer-focused institution. To improve service and make sure that all court users are treated with dignity and respect, he has promoted initiatives to measure judicial performance, track public satisfaction with trial courts, and implement technologies that increase access and boost productivity.
Emergency Manager City of Detroit
Prior to his appointment as Emergency Manager, Kevyn was a partner at the Jones Day law firm where he served on the firm’s Advisory Committee and was the Firmwide Partner for Hiring and Diversity. At Jones Day, he represented high-profile clients on complex and precedent-setting matters, including Chrysler in its historic bankruptcy. Earlier in his career, he served as Deputy Director and Director of the U.S. Trustees Program at the U.S. Department of Justice. He also served as Assistant General Counsel at the Resolution Trust Corporation and in the litigation department of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Before his government service, Kevyn practiced as a litigator in a Miami, FL law firm where he became a shareholder. He holds a bachelor degree and a law degree from the University of Michigan.
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City Clerk City of Detroit
In her role as Chief Elections Officer, Clerk Winfrey methodically and simultaneously implemented two new voting systems in Detroit and set precedence in the election community for early and accurate result reporting. Under her leadership Detroit has received grants to improve voting access for our military service men and women, their dependents and our overseas citizens. Clerk Winfrey is proud to be the forerunner in advancing the cause of democracy for these deserving members of our society. Janice M. Winfrey, a native Detroiter graduated from Cass Technical High School and Eastern Michigan University. She holds memberships to a variety of professional organizations and has an abundance of honor certificates and awards.
Chief Justice Michigan Supreme Court
An adjunct professor at the Wayne State University Law School, Young is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He joined Dickinson, Wright, Moon, Van Dusen & Freeman in 1978, becoming partner in 1982. He became vice president, corporate secretary, and general counsel of AAA Michigan in 1992, prior to joining the Court of Appeals in 1995. Dedicated to helping disadvantaged children achieve their dreams, Young has served on the boards of many charitable groups, including the Detroit Urban League, United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit and Vista Maria, a resource center for abused and neglected young women and girls. A father of two sons, he has been married to Dr. Linda Hotchkiss for more than 35 years.
Education and Power The late former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Mandela was right, because how else can one explain why it was against the law to teach Black people brought to America from Africa as slaves, to read and write for centuries? Fast forward: When Dr. Curtis L. Ivery accepted the position as chancellor of Wayne County Community College District almost 20 years ago, the humble professional that experienced racial segregation in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas as a kid, was ready to fly like an eagle to achieve greater heights in higher education for a district that was, and still is, predominately Black. Subsequently, when Dr. Ivery took over WCCCD, many felt it was on life support. Yet, Dr. Ivery has transformed WCCCD into one of the nation’s best community college districts. According to Community College Times, WCCCD is one of the fastest-growing
Education
community colleges in the United States, and has produced more Black students graduating with associate’s degree than many other community colleges in America. Michigan Chronicle’s most powerful African Americans in education are: Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor, Wayne County Community College District; Jack Martin, emergency manager, Detroit Public Schools; M. Roy Wilson, president, Wayne State University and Keith Johnson, president, Detroit Federation of Teachers.
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Education
Dr. Curtis L. Ivery
Keith Johnson
Jack Martin
M. Roy Wilson
Dr. Curtis L. Ivery became Chancellor of Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) on September 1995.
Keith R. Johnson was first elected president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers in January 2009 and is serving his third two-year term. He served as a labor relations administrator at the DFT for seven years before becoming Director of Staff Operations in 2001. He served in that capacity until 2007. In 2010 Johnson was elected AFT Vice President and an AFT Michigan Vice President. Johnson was on the DFT bargaining team in 1994, 1997, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2009. He has been the primary writer for contract language since 1997.
Jack Martin is a respected businessman and public servant who brings decades of public and private sector expertise in finance, health care and public education to the Detroit community. A practicing CPA for nearly 40 years, Martin is the founder/ chairman of Martin, Arrington, Desai & Meyers, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants. He has served three U.S. Presidents in positions including Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Department of Education and Acting Director of the U.S. Selective Service System under President George W. Bush. He was also chairman of the Provider Reimbursement Review Board under Presidents George H. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Dr. M. Roy Wilson became the 12th president of Wayne State University on August 1. Prior to joining Wayne State, President Wilson served as deputy director for strategic scientific planning and program coordination at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health.
Wayne County Community College District Chancellor
He has received several awards, to name a few: Newsmaker of the Year, Man of Excellence, 2004 Michiganian of the Year, Septima Clark Award for Excellence in Education and Community College President of the Year. Ivery served as Commissioner of Human Services for the State of Arkansas managing over 3,000 employees and a budget of one billion annually. He was the first African American and the youngest appointee to the Cabinet of the Governor of Arkansas. Dr. Ivery has authored several books including: Journeys of Conscience; America’s Urban Crisis and the Advent of Color-Blind Politics: Education, Incarceration, Segregation, and the Future of the U.S. Multiracial Democracy; Papa Take My Hand; Young Man: Your Time to Lead; Reclaiming Our Legacy: Black Fatherhood; Papa & Jason Meet the River Shark; Reclaiming Integration and the Language of Race in the Post-Racial Era; The Community College President in Action: Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities; Reinventing the Open Door: Transformational Strategies for Community Colleges and The Future of the Urban Community College: Shaping the Pathways to a Multiracial Democracy.
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President Detroit Federation of Teachers
Johnson is a graduate of Henry Ford High School in Detroit. He attended Wayne State University with degrees in Secondary Social Studies Education and Secondary Administration and Leadership. Johnson started his teaching career with the Detroit Public Schools in 1980 and taught for 15 years in total, most recently at Finney High School. He is married to Shenise Johnson and they have three children.
Emergency Manager Detroit Public Schools
In 2011, Martin was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder as Emergency Manager of Highland Park Schools and concurrently served as a member of the City of Detroit Financial Review Team. In 2012, Martin was named Chief Financial Officer of the City of Detroit by Mayor Dave Bing and Gov. Snyder. In July 2013, Gov. Snyder appointed Martin as Emergency Manager of Detroit Public Schools. Martin’s exemplary record of community service includes serving on and chairing the boards of numerous organizations.
President Wayne State University
Previously, he was dean of the School of Medicine and vice president for health sciences at Creighton University, president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and concurrently, chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver and chair of the Board of Directors of University of Colorado Hospital. President Wilson also chaired the Board of Directors of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and was acting president during part of that time. President Wilson’s research has focused on glaucoma and blindness in populations from the Caribbean to West Africa. Best Doctors Inc selected him for the list of Best Doctors in America for a consecutive 14 years. President Wilson received his undergraduate degree from Allegheny College, an M.S. in epidemiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School.
498_Southeast Michigan Leaders 5 x 10_5 ad_v4.pdf
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Congratulations and Thank You Southeast Michigan’s Leaders.
Finance
You inspire us all. Linda D. Forte
Suzanne Shank
Linda D. Forte is senior vice president of Business Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer for Comerica Incorporated. She is responsible for defining and driving business strategies that establish Comerica as a leader in diversity and work life practices and has achieved national recognition for the bank’s diversity efforts. Forte also is responsible for the Comerica Charitable Foundation, Corporate Contributions and Civic Affairs, overseeing corporate giving and community involvement programs. Forte began her career with Comerica in 1974 and has held management positions in Comerica’s Small Business, U.S. Banking and Loan Administration Groups, Human Resources and Banking Center Administration. She serves on several boards and executive committees for a wide range of organizations across southeast Michigan and nationally. Forte has received numerous awards for her corporate citizenship and community involvement, including being recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of Southeast Michigan’s Most Influential Women.
Suzanne Shank is President and Chief Executive Officer of Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C., the top-ranked minority-owned municipal bond underwriting firm in the U.S. and first minority- and women-owned business enterprise firm to rank in the top 10. Her vision and expertise have helped grow the firm into a financial powerhouse that has managed more than $1.2 trillion of bond financings for state and local governments across the country. Ms. Shank was recently inducted into the 2014 Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni at the Georgia Institute of Technology and has been named one of the “Top 25 Women in Finance” by U.S. Banker Magazine and “75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall Street” by Black Enterprise.
Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Comerica
Forte received her Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University, where she was a 2013 Inductee into its “Academy of Distinguished Alumni”, and her MBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan.
President, Chief Executive & Co- Founder Siebert Brandford Shank & Co. LLC
That’s what we call making a difference.
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To learn more about our commitment, and for all of your banking needs, visit us at 4830 Cass Avenue. 313.642.5200 | upbnk.com
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Ms. Shank is active in many civic organizations and serves on several boards, including the Wharton Graduate Board of Trustees, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board to the President, and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Ms. Shank holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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Hospitality
MAKING THE COMMUNITY
BRIGHTER GREEKTOWN IS PROUD TO HONOR ONE OF OUR OWN, MARVIN BEATTY, FOR BEING NAMED ONE OF THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE’S POWER 50. AND WE EXTEND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE OTHER HONOREES.
Marvin W. Beatty
Larry Alexander, president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB), has shaped the Bureau into the leading organization responsible for facilitating tourism economic growth in Metro Detroit.
Marvin Beatty retired from the City of Detroit Fire Department in 1994 as Deputy Fire Commissioner. He was the first African-American to hold that position in the department’s history. Mr. Beatty then became the Executive Director at the Wadsworth Community Center in Detroit, Michigan. He is a former shareholder and member of Greektown Casino and of the Greektown Casino Management Board of Directors. He currently serves as a Board Member for various non-profits and organizations within Detroit. From 1995 to 2010, Mr. Beatty served as Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Detroit.
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau President & Chief Executive Officer
Alexander leads an innovative, multiaward winning convention sales, marketing and services effort that has often exceeded CVB industry standards for its performance. In 2009, Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Alexander to the five-member Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority Board that manages Cobo Center. Alexander was responsible for landing the Super Bowl XL in 2006 and the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four. He created and leads the Detroit Metro Sports Commission who landed the 2003 and 2008 AAU Junior Olympic Games and the 2008 Women’s International Bowling Congress. Before his current DMCVB role, Alexander was the Managing Director of The Westin Hotel – Detroit Renaissance Center (currently Marriott). In addition to his chairmanship of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, Alexander is a board member of The Engineering Society of Detroit; The Parade Company (Detroit), The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, The Detroit Zoological Society, New Detroit and Forgotten Harvest. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives.
GREEKTOWNCASINO.COM 555 East Lafayette Avenue Detroit, MI 48226
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Larry Alexander
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Vice-President of Community and Public Relations Greektown Casino
Mr. Beatty has developed Gateway Market Place in Detroit. A 350,000 square foot shopping center and the first major shopping development in more than 40 years. Currently working with Magic Plus Development in developing a 160 acre site to include major retail, market rate housing, senior living, a movie theater and skilled nursing. He received his degree in Urban Management from California Coast University. A graduate of National Fire Academy Executive Development Program. Marvin lives in the City of Detroit and attended Osborn High School. He is married to Maxine Beatty they have two children and three grandchildren.
Media
Mildred Gaddis
Stephen Henderson
Rochelle Riley
Chuck Stokes
Mildred Gaddis, a 37 year radio veteran, has been described by the Detroit Free Press as one of ten (10) African Americans to watch in Detroit! Her sometimes no-nonsense, but warm and inspiring style has made her a force to be reckoned with and admired by politicians and residents throughout Metro Detroit. She is the host of “Inside Detroit” from 6am-10am weekdays on AM 1200/99.9 FM WCHB. According to Arbitron Ratings Services, she continues to rank as one of the top morning drive host with listeners who spend the longest time listening.
Detroit native Stephen Henderson has been editorial page editor for the Detroit Free Press since January 2009. Prior to that, he was a reporter, editorial writer and editor at the Baltimore Sun, the Chicago Tribune, the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader and the Knight-Ridder Washington Bureau, where he covered the U.S. Supreme Court from 2003-2007. Henderson’s work has been honored with more than a dozen national awards, including the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Henderson hosts a weekly talk show, “American Black Journal,” and cohosts the weekly news wrap-up show “MiWeek,” both on Detroit Public Television. He lives in Detroit with his wife, Christine, and two children, Oscar and Eleanor.
Rochelle Riley’s columns have appeared in the Detroit Free Press since 2000. Rochelle writes passionately about responsible government, community responsibility, public education, pop culture, race, film and Michigan’s reading crisis. She has helped raise more than $1 million for Michigan literacy causes. She has worked at The Dallas Morning News, The Washington Post and The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where her 1996 debut column, which called for a museum honoring Louisville native Muhammad Ali, helped spur an $80 million campaign to build the Muhammad Ali Center. Rochelle won the 2013 National Headliner Award for best column writing, received the inaugural Will Rogers Humanitarian Award for community service from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and has received first-place column-writing honors from the National Association of Black Journalists and the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors. The Michigan Press Association has named her Michigan’s best local columnist three times. Hour magazine readers just named her Detroit’s best female columnist for the fifth year in a row. She was a 2007-2008 Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan, where she studied online communities and film. She is a sought-after public speaker and raises funds for literacy through the Every December Fundraiser for Literacy. She writes novels, plays and essays.
Chuck Stokes was named the editorial/ public affairs director for WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in October 1987. Stokes joined the station in 1981. Additionally, he serves as moderator and producer of “Spotlight On The News,” Detroit’s longest-running weekly news and public affairs show. His in-depth interviews have included a host of prominent politicians, entertainers, religious and business leaders.
Talk Show Host WCHB 1200, Radio One Detroit, Inc.
Her skills enabled her with the opportunity to travel to China with former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and Governor John Engler as well as down south to New Orleans to cover the BP Oil spill and up to the nation’s capital to shake hands with President Obama. Gaddis was named “Professional Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Negro Business Woman’s Organization. She has also received the “Living Legends Award” along with KEM from the City of Detroit. Gaddis is a graduate of Texas Southern University and the mother one daughter, Khia. She is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Editorial Page Editor Detroit Free Press
Columnist Detroit Free Press
Editorial and Public Affairs Director WXYZ-TV/Channel 7
Stokes’ extensive knowledge of a wide range of topics led him to South Africa to produce a prime time documentary and a 10-part news series examining Africa’s apartheid system. He has served as the co-executive producer of two 60-minute national Town Meetings featuring Democratic candidate and subsequently President Bill Clinton. Before joining WXYZ-TV, Stokes worked at WTVF-TV in Nashville, Tennessee, as a producer and on-air reporter. Prior to that, he was a sports writer for the Washington Post. Stokes has received 12 Emmys for editorial reporting and one Emmy for documentary reporting. In 2001, he received the “The Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Stokes is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Stokes is married and has two daughters. Power 50 • 2014 17
Healthcare / Philanthrophy
Tonya Allen
Conrad L. Mallett Jr.
Faye Alexander NELSON
Tonya Allen serves as The Skillman Foundation’s president and chief executive officer. Her two-decade long career has centered on pursuing, executing and investing in ideas that improve her hometown of Detroit and reduce the plight of underserved people, especially children.
Conrad L. Mallett, Jr. is the Detroit Medical Center’s Chief Administrative Officer. His corporate portfolio includes Managed Care, the Michigan Pioneer ACO, Marketing, Security Operations, Pharmacy, Governmental Relations and Community Affairs. He’s on the forefront of hospital organization re-design with a particular focus on physician and patient satisfaction, cost containment and increased medical quality. Previously he was the President and CEO of Sinai Grace Hospital.
Faye Nelson is vice president, Public Affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation for DTE Energy. Nelson leads the DTE Energy Foundation, DTE Energy and its employees in partnerships that include education, energy, the environment and broad-based initiatives aimed at strengthening communities throughout the DTE service area.
President & Chief Executive Officer The Skillman Foundation
Previously, Allen was the Foundation’s chief operating officer and vice president. She served as the architect of the 10-year, $100 million Good Neighborhoods program. She also, orchestrated the $200-million, citywide education reform organization called Excellent Schools Detroit, and her high-school improvement strategy has resulted in 22 new college-preparatory high schools. She holds a Bachelor degree in sociology and Master degrees in social work and public health, all from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She serves on boards and committees for The Funders Network for Smart Growth, Grantmakers of Children, Youth and Families, Council of Michigan Foundations and Association of Black Foundation Executives. Before joining The Skillman Foundation in 2004, Allen worked for both the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Thompson-McCully Foundation. She also founded and led Detroit Parent Network. Allen and husband Louis have three daughters.
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Chief Administrative Officer Detroit Medical Center
Prior to the healthcare field, Mallett had a highly distinguished career as a lawyer and Michigan Supreme Court Justice. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Michigan in 1990, and was elected twice state wide in 1992 and 1994. His colleagues elected him Chief Justice in 1996 and served for two years. In 1999, he returned to his old law firm, Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone. He later left to join the Detroit Medical Center as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, where he directed the DMC’s legal department, the office of federal and state governmental affairs, human resources, managed care, and community outreach. Mallett holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Public Administration, also from USC, and an MBA from Oakland University, with a concentration in Healthcare Management.
President, DTE Foundation Vice President, Public Affairs DTE Energy
She formerly served as president and CEO of the non-profit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Nelson served as vice president, Governmental Affairs for Wayne State University, where she led the development of the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park. She serves on the board of directors for Compuware Corporation, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Henry Ford Health System and Health Network Board and the Parade Company. Nelson is the recipient of numerous awards including The Damon J. Keith 24th Annual Soul and Spirit Humanitarian Award, “the Grio’s” 100 African American History Makers presented by NBC News, and was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of Metro Detroit’s Most Influential Women. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Mercy College of Detroit and a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. She has four daughters and is married to Albert Taylor Nelson, Jr.
LaJune Montgomery tabron President and Chief Executive Officer W.K. Kellogg Foundation
La June Montgomery Tabron is the president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) in Battle Creek, Mich., one of the largest private foundations in the United States. As a champion for vulnerable children and for creating the conditions necessary for them to thrive, Tabron leads the Kellogg Foundation and its work to ensure the optimal development of young children from birth to age 8, heal the profound racial inequities in communities and cultivate community leaders and community-led solutions that support educated kids, healthy kids and economically secure families. Tabron has played an active leadership role in the Kellogg Foundation’s racial equity, diversity and inclusion work for more than two decades – both internally through work with its board and staff, and externally through its work with grantees, partners and vendors. Throughout her more than 26 years in philanthropy, Tabron has participated in numerous sector efforts to enhance philanthropy, including: the policy and
annual conference committees for the Council on Foundations and the board development and transparency committees for Independent Sector.
Professional Services
Reuben A. Munday Chairman Lewis & Munday, P.C.
Reuben A. Munday is Chairman of the law firm of Lewis & Munday, P.C., where he has practiced law since 1977. From 1994 to 2003, Mr. Munday served as President and CEO of the firm. Munday reflects on his current role as chairman, “My main responsibility is to assist with strategic goals and to align those goals with the values of the firm.” In 2008, 2009, and 2010, peers selected him as one of Michigan’s “Superlawyers” in real estate and construction law. In addition, DBusiness magazine selected him as 2010’s “Top Lawyer” in real estate and construction. His primary areas of practice include commercial leases, mortgage financing, commercial and industrial real estate development and construction law. He is a past officer of the Council of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Michigan and has lectured on real property law topics for the Real Property Section of the State Bar and for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
In addition to his professional interests, he is a board member of the McGregor Fund, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion. Munday credits his parents with emphasizing the importance of education. Both parents taught at the historic Tuskegee Institute. Mr. Munday holds a Bachelor of Arts and master of professional studies degrees from Cornell University, and is a 1976 graduate of Michigan Law School.
YOUOUR HAVE OUR YOU HAVE YOU HAVE OUR UNDIVIDED UNDIVIDED UNDIVIDED ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION Gordon Follmer, Partner Gordon Follmer, Partner Gordon Follmer, Partner gfollmer@uhy-us.com gfollmer@uhy-us.com 248gfollmer@uhy-us.com 204 9328 248 204 9328 248 204 9328 www.uhy-us.com www.uhy-us.com www.uhy-us.com An independent An independent member of UHY International member of UHY International An independent member of UHY International
The next level of service
The next The level next of service level of service Power 50 • 2014 19
Professional Services
Dennis Wayne Archer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dennis W. Archer PLLC
Dennis W. Archer is Chairman and CEO of Dennis W. Archer PLLC and Chairman Emeritus of Dickinson Wright PLLC, a Detroit-based law firm. He sits on the corporate boards of Johnson Controls Inc. and Masco Corporation. Archer served two four-year terms as mayor of the city of Detroit (1994-2001) and earned national and international respect for his success in changing Detroit’s image and direction. He was named one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans by Ebony magazine; and one of the 100 Most Powerful Attorneys in the U.S. by the National Law Journal. Archer was named one of the 25 Most Dynamic Mayors in America by Newsweek magazine. He received a Bachelor degree in Education from Western Michigan University and taught learning disabled students in the Detroit Public Schools. Archer earned his Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law in 1970. He was the first person of color elected president of the American Bar Association (2003-2004) as well as the State Bar of Michigan. He also served as president of the Wolverine Bar Association and the National Bar Association. Archer is married to Trudy DunCombe Archer. They have two sons, Dennis W. Archer, Jr. and Vincent DunCombe Archer, and two grandsons.
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David Baker Lewis
Alex L. Parrish
Reginald Turner
David Baker Lewis is the senior member of Lewis & Munday, a Detroit based law firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. David has served on the boards of numerous professional, educational, civic and community organizations. He is a former assistant professor at the former Detroit College of Law and a former member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Oakland University. Currently, David serves on the Board of Directors of The Kroger Company, H&R Block and STERIS Corp. He is a former director of Comerica, Inc., TRW, Inc., LG&E Energy Corp., M.A. Hanna Company and Consolidated Rail Corporation (CONRAIL).
Alex L. Parrish is one of America’s top corporate lawyers. He routinely handles large complex deals for major corporations, but is also a highly valued counselor to top minorities and women in business. At last count, he represented more Black Enterprise 100 companies than any single lawyer in the country. Mr. Parrish’s clients have made major investments in Detroit. Three of them, VITEC, Bridgewater Interiors and James Group, have built or expanded major industrial facilities on the city’s west side and Strategic Staffing Solutions is one of the companies leading the resurgence downtown. Mr. Parrish is a partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, LLP and, has served on the firm’s board of directors. He is also very active in the community and serves as the chairman of the board of the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, a trustee of Henry Ford Health System Foundation, a member of the board of directors of the Detroit Institute of Arts and a trustee of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation.
Reginald Turner, a top litigator and government affairs advisor at Clark Hill PLC, is listed in the peer review guides “The Best Lawyers in America” and “SuperLawyers” and was selected by Best Lawyers as a Michigan Lawyer of the Year, Crain’s Detroit Business as one of 10 Power Lawyers, and as a Michigan Lawyers Weekly Lawyer of the Year. Turner successfully handles a wide variety of litigation in federal and state courts. A former White House Fellow, Turner has government experience at the federal, state and local levels, and he advocates effectively for clients on public policy, government procurement and economic development resources. A noted leader in civic and legal circles, Turner serves as Chair of the American Bar Association Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. Turner has represented clients in important civil rights and civil liberties cases, including the historic affirmative action cases involving the University of Michigan, representing a coalition of civil rights organizations and African American and Latino students. He has represented African American and Latino organizations in Voting Rights Act litigation as well.
Principal Lewis & Munday, P.C.
In addition to his civic, corporate and community activities, David has specialized in municipal finance law, serving as Lewis & Munday’s lead attorney on numerous and diverse municipal bond offerings. He is a past director of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and former chairman of the National Association of Securities Professionals. David received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakland University, his Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his juris doctorate degree from The University of Michigan Law School.
Partner, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLC
Advisor Clark Hill PLC
Spirituality
Religion and Power The Black Church in America still has a pivotal role in the Black community that goes far beyond just saving of souls. Almost every aspect of the Black experience in this country has at one time or another, been addressed by the Black Church, inclusive of civil and human rights, voting rights, social justice, fair housing, education, economic empowerment, self-empowerment, and more. Few Black pastors in America are more powerful than Rev. Wendell Anthony, pastor of Fellowship Chapel, in fronting many of the aforementioned issues. Anthony has dedicated his life to elevating Black people in all walks of life. In addition to standing in the pulpit each Sunday to save souls, he stands on the powerful platform of the presidency of the Detroit Branch NAACP, which was established in 1912. Michigan Chronicle’s most powerful African Americans religion are: Rev. Wendell Anthony, pastor, Fellowship Chapel and president, NAACP (Detroit Branch; Bishop P.A. Brooks, pastor and first assistant presiding bishop, New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ; Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, pastor, Greater Grace Temple; Rev. Solomon W. Kinlock, Jr., senior pastor, Triumph Church; Bishop Edgar L. Vann, senior pastor, Second Ebenezer Church.
Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony President, NAACP (Detroit Branch) Pastor, Fellowship Chapel
Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony grew up in Detroit. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, obtained his Master’s degree from Marygrove College in Pastoral Ministry. He also received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Marygrove College.
Anthony. They have four daughters: Tolani, Maia, Meagan, and Wendelaya.
He became the Pastor of Fellowship Chapel in 1986, and has become a prominent religious leader in Detroit and throughout the United States. He has traveled throughout the world, with extensive travel throughout Africa. Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony has served as president of the Detroit Branch NAACP for over 21 years. The largest branch in the country. He is the founder of the Freedom Institute for Economic Social Justice and People Empowerment and the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee. He is a member of several boards and councils inside the City of Detroit. Reverend Anthony is married to First Lady Monica G. Power 50 • 2014 21
Spirituality
Bishop P.A. Brooks
Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III
Rev. Solomon Kinlock, Jr.
Bishop Edgar L. Vann, II
Founding pastor of New St. Paul Tabernacle in Detroit, MI, Bishop P.A. Brooks is a native of Chicago, Illinois and a fourth generation product of the Church of God in Christ. A prominent businessman, activist and community leader, Bishop Brooks is a pioneer in economic development and education initiatives. But, above all else, Bishop Brooks is a man of great spiritual depth. Bishop Brooks has rendered a lifetime of devoted service to the people of God, and to the ministry of God’s holy church.
Bishop Charles H. Ellis III is the Senior Pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan. He pastors nearly 8,000 and is known as a leader “with a heart for people.” Under Bishop Ellis’ leadership Greater Grace Temple now has over 250 ministries including over 100 housing units for seniors and families, 2 charter schools (Grades K8), Montessori daycare center, print shop, television & recording studios, travel agency, funeral home.
Born to Solomon Sr. and Janie Kinloch, Solomon W. Kinloch, Jr. accepted the call to pastor at Triumph Church in 1998. At the beginning of his tenure, Triumph’s membership was less than 50 people.
Bishop Edgar L. Vann is Senior Pastor of Second Ebenezer Church, where he has served since 1976. With a membership of over 6,000 and over 20 ministries in operation, Bishop Vann is led by God’s Voice to empower his flock with the Word of God. In September 2008, Bishop Vann became the Presiding Prelate over The Kingdom Alliance Covenant Fellowship.
Pastor New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ
Internationally recognized religious and civic leader, Brooks has been the Jurisdictional Prelate of the First Jurisdiction of Michigan since 1975, overseeing more than 96 churches that make up the jurisdiction. He was appointed First Assistant to the new Presiding Bishop, Charles H. Blake by The Church of God In Christ General Assembly, during April’s Annual Call Meeting in Memphis, Tennessee. The 6.5 million-member church is the largest African-American Pentecostal religious denomination in the world.
Senior Pastor Greater Grace Temple
These ministries positively impact the Detroit community where he is a respected civic leader. Board member of the Detroit Zoological Society, YMCA (Metro Detroit), Vanguard Health Care System, Founder and President of the GGT Non-profit Housing Corporation, and Chairman of the Mayor’s Strategic Framework Plan Task Force. The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.) elected Bishop Ellis to the office of Presiding Bishop. He also presides over the Diocese of South Carolina. Bishop Ellis sermons are simulcast to a potential 85 million viewers across the nation on “The Word Network” and other TV and radio outlets. Bishop Ellis has a Bachelors in Accounting from Wayne State University. He also holds an honorary doctorate from Aenon Bible College.
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Pastor Triumph Church
Under Kinloch’s visionary leadership, Triumph Church has blossomed into a multi-site phenomenon, hosting 10 weekly services at five different campuses for its nearly 15,000 members (and counting). Even more amazing is that Pastor Kinloch preaches every service, teaches every Bible Study, baptizes every member and dedicates every baby. Since 2008, the Christian publication Outreach Magazine, has named Triumph Church one of the “Fastest Growing Churches” in the United States...and there are no signs of that trend slowing down as the church welcomes nearly 400 new members each month. Pastor Kinloch serves on several boards, and has received countless awards and honors. In 2010, Pastor Kinloch married his best friend and love of his life, the former Robin Kemp. Together, they are the proud parents of one son, Kadin Elijah and guardians of two nephews, Ramone and Devonte Rainey
Senior Pastor Second Ebenezer Church
Bishop Vann has traveled and preached the Word of God extensively throughout the world. A graduate of Wayne State University, and the University of Detroit, with a Doctorate of Divinity from Urban Bible College and St. Thomas Christian College, and a Doctorate of Laws Degree from Tennessee School of Religion. Bishop Vann serves on several boards including: Wayne State University’s Research & Technology Park, The Skillman Foundation, Michigan Coalition of Human Rights, Detroit Institute of Arts, Henry Ford Health System, Commissioner for the Detroit Police Department, and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. He is also an inductee in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Bishop Vann is the Chair and founder of the Vanguard Community Development Corporation. He is the visionary behind over $65 million of development in the city of Detroit.
Union
Albert Garrett
James Settles Jr.
Albert Garrett started his union career by becoming a member of Local 1329 in 1970. He was made Chief Steward by 1972 and two years later President of Local 1329. He was a board member of AFSCME Council 77, Council 25, Council 25 Executive Committee and Council 25 Policy Committee.
James “Jimmy” Settles Jr. was re-elected vice president of the UAW in June 2014, at the union’s 36th Constitutional Convention. Settles was first elected to a vice president position in 2006 by delegates at the 34th Constitutional Convention.
President, Michigan AFSCME Council 25 International Vice President, AFSCME
Mr. Garrett served as Chief Negotiator for the 1977 Recorder’s Court agreement, the 1982 State Judicial Council – 36th District Court and 3rd Circuit Court agreements, and the 1983 Nonprofit Social Service Agencies agreement. From 1985 – 1994, Mr. Garrett was the arbitration advocate where he presented grievances in both private and public sectors before arbitrators in employment arenas of cities, courts, state facilities, schools, hospitals, non-profits, counties and roads. As the AFSCME organizer, Al has organized several bargaining units of AFSCME, which consisted of several thousand members. Coordinated organizing drives in which AFSCME increased its membership by more than 1,000. Mr. Garret serves on advisory boards and committees throughout Michigan such as Boysville Advisory Board, Michigan Employee Benefits Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield Advisory Board, Trade Union Leadership Council, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, NAACP, Industrial Labor Relations Specialist, Detroit Economic Club, State Central Democratic Club and many others.
Vice President UAW
Settles has served on the UAW International Executive Board since June 2002, when he was elected director of UAW Region 1A. As Region 1A director, Settles played a lead role in successful organizing campaigns at such automotive parts suppliers as Johnson Controls, Arvin Meritor, GKN Sinter Metals, ACI, Bridgewater Interiors and Hollingsworth. He also was part of the UAW team in negotiations with Detroit Diesel and the State of Michigan. He was appointed to the UAW staff in 1992 as a servicing representative assigned to Region 1A. Settles was appointed to the UAW Local 600 staff in 1982; he served as staff director in 1983 and as administrative assistant in 1984. He was a member of the UAW -Ford National Negotiating Committee in 1990. Settles is a third generation union member, which gives him a profound perspective on unionism and the UAW. This is what makes him realize how important the UAW has been to the advancements of African-Americans both in the workplace and beyond.
Power 50 • 2014 23
WHO’S WHO INBLACK
DETROIT ®
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