Leadership & Team

Ryan Sullivan serves as CEO at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

Sullivan is also the CEO and Founder of Watershed Horizons, a company that he founded to pursue opportunities in energy, infrastructure and natural resources along the Great Lakes watershed.

Before joining the Conservancy in May of 2024, Sullivan was recruited out of Michigan State University in 2006 to do investment banking in New York City.

Sullivan joined Rock Ventures LLC in 2010, helping to build Dan Gilbert’s gambling operations in Ohio. In 2016, Gilbert made him CEO of Xenith LLC, a growth-phase football helmet maker within the Rock portfolio of companies.

Sullivan is passionate about economics and helping businesses grow, He is also interested in helping foster communities and helping people grow and develop. He lives in the Indian Village neighborhood of Detroit with his wife and four children.

Cassie Brenske serves as chief development and communications officer for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In this role, she guides every aspect of fundraising for the Conservancy while also leading the marketing, public relations, and branding team to develop consistent, thoughtful messaging across all departments to meet the Conservancy’s mission.

A graduate of MSU’s journalism program, Brenske found her way into the nonprofit world by building relationships in her communities long before establishing herself as a professional fundraiser. After college, she began her career at Great Lakes Bay Magazine in Bay City, MI. Through that role, she connected with board members of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, who later recruited her as marketing coordinator and office manager. She eventually moved to Detroit to take on a major gift officer position with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

After six years honing her fundraising and communications skills at the DSO, ultimately serving as the Director of Individual Giving, Brenske joined the Conservancy in 2017 to build the organization’s first formal fundraising team.

In 2018, she was named as one of Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 leaders and became a member of Leadership Detroit’s 41st class in 2019. She is currently the Chair of the Board at Signal Return in Detroit, drawn to its mission of preserving and teaching letterpress printing as a self-proclaimed luddite and lover of physical media.

A Gold Coast resident, Brenske loves listening to her Walkman by the Detroit River in the evenings, collecting records, hanging out with her cat Watson and playing sequence with her fiancé.

Rachel Frierson is the chief operating officer for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In this role, Rachel oversees all operations and the diverse program offerings that activate the Detroit Riverfront and Dequindre Cut to create a world-class gathering space for three million visitors annually.

Rachel holds bachelors’ degrees in history and political theory from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in public service management from DePaul University. Prior to joining the Conservancy in 2013, Rachel worked with two different Chicago-based community development organizations, the Chicago Loop Alliance and Division Street Business Development Association, and prior to that she worked at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, New York. In 2018, Rachel was recognized nationally as a Next City Vanguard for her leadership in developing a reused shipping container into an active bar and pop up along the Dequindre Cut.

Rachel lives, works, and plays on the riverfront and Dequindre Cut as a resident of Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighborhood. Rachel serves as a board member for the Detroit Parks Coalition and is a member of ULI Michigan.

Karen Slaughter DuPerry works in the areas of project management and community outreach at the Conservancy and was integral to the efforts in forming the organization.

DuPerry joined GM in 1983 as an architectural designer, where she developed space standards and workplace templates. She later transferred to the Real Estate Group. GM’s support of the riverfront project has allowed her to develop the 2010 Economic Impact Statement and manage multiple construction projects that have been implemented. Her passion is to make sure that the Conservancy stays connected to the community and develops plans for projects that include community engagement components as often as possible.

She is a Detroit native and a graduate of Cass Tech High School-Architecture Department and received a bachelor’s of science and a master’s of science in architecture from the University of Michigan. Karen is also the proud mother of Imani, Kahlil and Despina.

Stephan Bobalik joined the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in 2017 and serves as senior director of development. He leads the Conservancy’s planning, strategy, and execution of a comprehensive campaign to fund riverfront and greenway capital projects, programs, operations, and endowment by working with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. He also plays a lead role in the Unified Greenway Campaign, a $350 million effort to complete the Detroit Riverfront and Joe Louis Greenway and establish an endowment to support the long-term stewardship of both projects.

Prior to joining the Conservancy, Stephan spent more than a decade helping mission-driven organizations achieve social outcomes by engaging and stewarding their most committed supporters. Most recently, Stephan was the major gifts officer at the ACLU of Michigan, where he strengthened relationships across the state to increase annual giving, campaign gifts, and grants supporting civil rights and civil liberties work in Michigan and nationally. Earlier in his career, he worked in the arts as director of institutional partnerships at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and director of foundation and government partnerships at the Sphinx Organization.

Stephan graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in voice performance. He serves on the HOPE Fund Committee at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the boards of Midtown Detroit, Inc. and the Community Association for the New Center Area.

Will Broner is the Development Services Coordinator for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He is responsible for gift entry, acknowledgements, and database maintenance, along with development support.

He joined the Conservancy in 2018 after working 18 years with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, bringing a wealth of experience, working in the administration area of the Symphony in the Marketing and Development departments.

When away from work, Will coaches high school boys’ basketball at Birmingham Seaholm High School.

Will lives in Detroit and has two adult children.

Ella Cramer is the educational programs manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In this role, she creates educational opportunities and experiences that inspire young people across metro Detroit to connect to their place, grow their community, and live meaningful lives.

Ella was born and raised on the eastside of Detroit. Since she was young person, Ella has had a strong desire to work with youth in her community. She graduated from Loyola University of Chicago where she earned degrees in special education, elementary education, and English as a second language. Upon graduation, she returned to Detroit where she spent the last several years as a middle school language arts teacher at a public-charter school on the east side of Detroit. While serving as a teacher there, she collaborated with her colleagues to create a co-curricular and place-based curriculum for grades 6-8, served as chair of their union, and loved taking her eighth graders on a week-long camping trip at the end of every school year.

Ella lives on the eastside of Detroit with her dog and husband. Outside of work, she enjoys running along the river, baking gluten-free cookies, hiking and camping in state and national parks, going to concerts, and rooting for Detroit sports teams.

Rhonda Collins is employed by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) and serves as the construction manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In this role, she is responsible for the day-to-day activities between the client, architect, contractor, and local and state agencies to construct new projects on behalf of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

Rhonda has worked in the construction industry for 31 years with a variety of nationally respected construction management firms. Some of her key projects include the Pediatric Specialty Center for the Detroit Medical Center, Mott Children & Women’s Hospital for the University of Michigan, multiple renovations and additions for Southfield Public Schools and Saline Public Schools, exterior renovations and upgrades for Comerica Bank, and the renovation and addition of new and existing service centers for Detroit Edison.

Rhonda has a Master of Science degree in construction management from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from North Carolina A&T State University.

Rhonda is also on the Executive Board of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Pontiac Alumnae Chapter, leading and volunteering on various committees, an active member of the Usher Board at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the National Association of Women in Construction. She also serves on the Black Business Network for JLL providing opportunities for professional development and networking for her peers.

Rhonda loves spending time with her family, enjoys cooking, exercise and traveling.

Sarah Grace Couyoumjian is the director of events and branding for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. She is responsible for overseeing the Conservancy's branding and producing all development and donor-related events for the organization, including the Conservancy’s annual Shimmer on the River and Soirée on the Greenway fundraisers.

Sarah Grace has been with the Conservancy since the spring of 2018. Before her time with the organization, she worked in consumer marketing and events for Adult Swim and Cartoon Network (Turner Broadcasting) and media and branded content for The Story Lab (Dentsu Aegis Network).

She is a graduate of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, where she studied marketing and visual arts. She resides with her husband, son and two dogs on the canals of Jefferson Chalmers where she spends her free time biking, fishing, boating, and exploring the Detroit River.

Mary Howlett is the marketing manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Mary is responsible for various marketing and community outreach initiatives to help spread the word about the Detroit Riverfront throughout southeast Michigan and beyond. In her role with the Conservancy, Mary manages our social media presence, newsletter and brochure production, website content, marketing for events and programs and other projects to further advance the vision and mission of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

Prior to joining the Conservancy in February of 2023, Mary worked in communications for the Grosse Pointe Public School System and continues to serve as a volunteer for many school-based organizations within the district. Throughout her career, Mary has worked in advertising for agencies in Metro Detroit and St. Louis, MO and in-house as a media planner and buyer.

Born and raised in Metro Detroit and a graduate of Michigan State University, Mary is passionate about all things Michigan and Detroit. She enjoys traveling with her family to explore new places, catching live music performances, a nice hike or bike ride and a good Netflix binge from time to time.

Mike Lacey serves as the Operations Manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In his role on the Operations team, Mike works to maintain all public spaces along the Riverwalk, greenways and in the parks.

Before joining the Conservancy in 2019, Mike spent more than 25 years in the construction industry and has experience building parks in and around the Detroit area. In his free time, he enjoys being active and spending time outdoors.

Addison Mauck is the director of visitor experience for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In this role she manages relationships with external partners to program the Riverfront and work towards the vision of creating a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible, world class gathering place for all.

A native Detroiter, Addison holds many memories of her childhood spent on the Riverfront. Addison is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where she received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and managed a hotel, bar, and event space through the university’s student run business program. Prior to joining the Conservancy in 2021, Addison served as a Challenge Detroit fellow at the DTE Foundation, and gained experience in event management and community engagement for organizations including M-1 Rail, the Detroit Jazz Festival, and the Parade Company.

Outside of the DRFC, Addison can be found serving as a precinct delegate in her neighborhood and leading a Girl Scout troop at her former elementary school.

David Miechiels is the volunteer manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He oversees the Conservancy’s volunteer program through recruitment, organization, communication, and retention.

Prior to joining the Conservancy, David was a public school teacher in Metro Detroit. While teaching, he was involved in a number of committees working toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in the education system. He earned his B.M. in Music Education from Michigan State University, where he taught community music classes and worked to provide educational programs for local youth.

When not on the Riverfront, David enjoys reading, staying active, and making music. He spent his summer learning to bake and has run two marathons. David lives in Detroit's Rivertown-Warehouse District, and is excited to be a part of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and its robust community of volunteers.

Kearney Miller is the development coordinator at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. She supports the development and communications team by assisting with the planning and execution of major events and donor stewardship initiatives.

Kearney is a proud recipient of the Kalamazoo Promise, and she graduated from Albion College as a student-athlete with a B.A. in Political Science and History in 2025. She is currently serving a two-year term on the Albion College Board of Trustees in the Recent Graduate position. She enjoys walking on the riverfront and spending time with family. Kearney volunteers with Detroit PAL as a softball coach and with her sorority as a chapter adviser.

Marc Pasco is the director of public relations for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

Marc has been with the Conservancy for 12 years. During his 30 years in the public relations field, he has worked at the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cranbrook Educational Community, Campbell & Company and Hermanoff Public Relations. Some of Marc’s biggest projects prior to joining the Conservancy include the Three Tenors at Tiger Stadium and Ford Motor Company’s activation around Super Bowl XL.

He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in public relations. Marc enjoys spending time at his place Up North and mountain biking.

Renée Rodriguez is the program manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. She is responsible for volunteer recruitment, logistics, communication and overall direction of the volunteer program.

Renée has worked with the Conservancy for five years and has over 19 years of experience working in and directing various volunteer programs. She has worked at organizations that include: The Parade Company, American Cancer Society, 4-H Youth Development Program in Hollywood, CA, and Covenant House California. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a Master’s in business administration.

Renée grew up in the Detroit area and enjoys spending time in the city. She has a passion for photography and travel and loves to spend free time with her family being outside and exploring the region. She recently completed her first half marathon.

Alyce Sclafani is the director of donor services for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. She is responsible for donor relations and community level Annual Fund giving. She oversees the Conservancy’s fundraising database and gift processing services.

Alyce has been with the Conservancy since 2018. During her 12 years of work in non-profit sector, Alyce has worked in a variety of fields, from education and the arts, to human services. After several years of living in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Alyce was delighted to be able to return home to Detroit, and is thrilled to give back to the city she loves.

Alyce is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in international studies. She enjoys spending time on the riverfront with her family, and splashing in Michigan’s beautiful lakes with her daughter.

Eric Scott serves as the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park Manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, where he will oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and programming of our soon-to-be open 22-acre waterfront destination. In this role, Eric is responsible for ensuring the park remains safe, clean, and welcoming for all, while managing staff and contractors, helping to coordinate events and activities, and working with internal teams and community partners to create a dynamic public space that reflects the heart and spirit of Detroit.

With a background in parks and recreation, ecological restoration, and sustainability, Eric brings deep experience in community-focused public space management. He previously worked for a county park district in Ohio, where he led outdoor education, community programs, and habitat restoration initiatives designed to promote long-term land stewardship and equitable access to nature. Most recently, Eric served as NRSA Coordinator for the City of Toledo, where he oversaw neighborhood revitalization strategies and managed federal funding to support housing, infrastructure, and partnerships with grassroots organizations in historically underserved communities.

A Detroit native and proud Denby High School graduate, Eric is passionate about making sure the riverfront reflects the voices and cultures of all Detroiters. “Creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and proud of their community is what drives me.”

Outside of work, Eric enjoys exploring new foods, traveling, and staying curious about the world around him—interests that inspire his commitment to inclusive, vibrant public spaces.

As the new Annual Fund Manager at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Jalyn Stovall will lead the charge in developing giving strategies that help the organization achieve its annual fundraising goals. She is responsible for crafting donor appeals and campaigns, while cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors and sponsors to ensure long-term, consistent support—including a focus on legacy giving.

Jalyn brings a unique and well-rounded background to her role. She began her professional journey as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher in Washington, D.C., before transitioning into marketing at the Ann Arbor District Library. Her career in philanthropy grew as she served as Executive Director of the Jeremy D. Stovall Splurge Foundation and later as the Digital and Integrated Campaigns Officer in the Annual Giving department at Wayne State University. These experiences have equipped her with deep expertise in digital marketing, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership.

“I am very excited to be part of the legacy of the #1 Riverfront in America,” says Jalyn. “The work that is being done here is integral to the city and brings together all walks of life to one communal place.”

Outside of work, Jalyn is the co-owner of Crafted Beanery, a coffee shop in Belleville that she helped launch in 2020. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, attending sporting events, reading, and diving into new hobbies and experiences.

Tanjia is the executive manager to the CEO, she has been with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy since January 2013. Previously, Tanjia worked as an executive manager at the City of Detroit. At the Conservancy, Tanjia functions as an essential part of the administrative team. She attended Eastern Michigan University and has an extensive background in project management and executive administration.

Tanjia enjoys decorating, and spending family time with her son, Ryan and her grandson Ryan Jr. As a Detroit native, Tanjia is dedicated to serving in the redevelopment of her town.