The Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), governed by a Board of Directors representing Downtown property owners, has announced new leadership roles assumed by members of its board of directors.
Jennifer Dewey, counsel for vehicle sales, service and marketing at General Motors Co., has been appointed to the board and named vice chair. Dewey succeeds Debra Homic Hoge following Hoge’s tenure as a leader on the BIZ board from its launch in 2014 until her retirement from GM. Hoge was also instrumental in the establishment of the Rivertown BIZ.
Steven Pecic, senior director of facilities management at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has been elected treasurer of the BIZ board.
Athina Papas, executive at the Atheneum Suites Hotel and chair and president of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, joins the executive committee after more than six years of service as a BIZ board member.
“Over the past 12 years, the Downtown BIZ has delivered measurable impact because of the steady leadership and commitment of its board of directors,” says Gina Cavaliere, BIZ executive director and chief community impact officer of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Jennifer Dewey, Steven Pecic, and Athina Papas bring deep expertise and a strong commitment to Downtown. Their leadership will further strengthen the BIZ board and help advance the BIZ’s mission in meaningful and lasting ways.”
The following members will continue serving on the BIZ executive committee:
Steve Ogden, senior vice president of government affairs, Bedrock Detroit, continues as BIZ board chair.
Mike McLaughlin, vice president of governmental relations, Ilitch Cos., continues as BIZ board secretary.
George Barnes, owner of Heritage Optical Center, continues as an executive committee member. Barnes is a founding member of the BIZ and has served since its inception.
Tony Tomczak, founder of Tomczak, continues as an executive committee member.
“Downtown Detroit’s continued momentum is the result of strong collaboration, shared accountability and a clear vision for the future,” says Steve Ogden, senior vice president of government affairs at Bedrock Detroit, and chair of the BIZ board. “The strength of the BIZ lies in the commitment of our property owners and the leadership of our board. We are pleased to acknowledge these accomplished leaders whose expertise and perspective will help guide our work and ensure downtown remains vibrant, welcoming and economically strong.”
For the complete list of BIZ board members, visit downtowndetroit.org/biz.
