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.  

Ben Phillips

Vice President, Real Estate

By day, he’s entrenched in community development and property management. After hours, he moonlights as an amateur cellist – in between finishing Ironman competitions.

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/Risk Management. Governance. Entity Coordination. And an overly optimistic free spirit that enjoys ferris wheels, music festivals & a good cup of coffee.

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 of 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.

Olivia Pisano

Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant working to keep vendors/contractors happy & ducks in line. Specializes in cannoli & obscure information.