News Article

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I hope this letter finds you healthy, happy and looking forward to what promises to be an exciting and memorable 2014. 

I personally wanted to share with you my recent announcement that after 10 years, I am leaving the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy to take on a new role as President of DTE Energy Foundation and Vice President of Public Affairs at DTE Energy. 

To write that leaving the Conservancy was not an easy decision would be an understatement. Leading this transformational project for the last decade has been an honor and a defining moment in my life.  While the decision required a great deal of thought and soul searching, the time was right for me to move forward to begin this exciting new chapter in my career and to open the door for new leadership that will move this great organization forward through the next decade of its existence.

I step down as President and CEO knowing that the Conservancy is in wonderful shape for the future.  The Board of Directors led by Matthew Cullen and David Page, Committee Members, our Conservancy staff and volunteers and our public/private partners are energized, dedicated, focused and marching toward the ultimate goal of revitalizing 5.5 miles of Detroit riverfront.  Soon, the Conservancy will have a new President and CEO to lead it and I am confident that you will embrace this person just as you have embraced me.

I will continue to stay involved with the Conservancy as a member of the Board of Directors and look forward to crossing paths with many of you in the future either as a Board member or in my new position.  Thank you for your many years of support and I hope you will continue playing an integral role in the transformation of the riverfront and the ongoing revitalization of the great City of Detroit.

Faye Nelson
President & CEO
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy