Sonya S. Mays

President & CEO

She helped lead Detroit out of bankruptcy and now has her sights set on propelling her hometown forward. Her mission: real estate development that addresses real needs.  

Craig Willian

Vice president, Real Estate

Mr. Willian brings to the firm extensive qualifications in multi-site development projects and managing investments into income producing assets.

Mark Meier

Cheif Financial Officer

Experienced CFO in accounting and financing conventional and LIHTC transactions. After over 25 years, he has come back to his Midwest roots.

Michael Appel

Senior Project Manager

Project management is his specialty. Bird watching comes in a close second and like his feathered friends, he finds it hard to resist a hunk of buttered bread.
 

Oren Brandvain

Project Manager

The office green thumb juggles real estate project manager with tending to his fruit trees. He also juggles balls. Sometimes while riding a unicycle.

Sean White

Director of Fund Development

Works with partners to raise capital and enhance Develop Detroit’s impact. Passionate about the city of Detroit, its sports franchises, and any singing show ever produced.

Salima Mrech

Operations Manager

Asset Management. Governance. Partner Relations. Coffee. Greenery. Mama.

Jubek Yongo-Bure

Project Analyst

Single family and multifamily project analysis. Passionate about social justice. Loves to travel, amateur photographer, and enjoys watching the sunset at the Detroit Riverwalk.

Galaan Dafa

Project Analyst

Puts his effort & concentration towards affordable housing needs. Appreciates Detroit’s music history, from jazz to hip hop and everything in between. Unofficial Yemen Cafe ambassador and spicy food enthusiast.

Martina Orange

Senior Manager, Homebuilding

Focuses on revamping Detroit’s Homes in the North End. Her motivation: “Your attitude determines your altitude”. Favorite hobbies include time with family and reading.

Dejane Mitchell

Office Coordinator

Serving as the primary contact for internal offices and providing assistance to Operations Manager. Approaching tasks with creativity and ingenuity. Just add Coffee.