The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) recently announced Michael A. Bruggeman as chief safety and security officer, Talitha Johnson as director of communications, and Anjana Schroeder as director of marketing.
Bruggeman has more than 40 years of law enforcement and security experience in both the public and private sectors. He joins the DDP as an employee after leading its safety efforts in a consultant role for the past five years.
In his role, Bruggeman will continue to refine and execute an overall safety and security strategy for DDP, DDP Parks, and the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone in collaboration with downtown Detroit’s network of safety professionals.
“Mike’s experience and approach to safety strongly supports DDP’s goal for a Downtown that is clean, safe and welcoming to all,” says Eric B. Larson, CEO of the DDP. “He understands the diverse needs of our community, making his seamless shift from DDP consultant to employee as he works to reinforce our commitment to Downtown’s safety.”
The chief safety and security officer will lead Project Lighthouse (originally co-founded by Bruggeman as the neighborhood watch program for downtown Detroit) and DDP’s safety committee, where more than 40 public and private safety leaders collaborate regularly to develop and implement community safety strategies.
Johnson will lead DDP’s overall communications initiatives, including implementing a media outreach plan that will grow the DDP brand. She will also lead social media and develop a strategic communications plan to raise awareness of the significant role the organization plays in strengthening and supporting downtown Detroit through its programs and initiatives.
The DDP convenes business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the region.
Schroeder, who has been with DDP since 2017 in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility, will now lead all DDP marketing initiatives, including the organization’s visual brand, design, publications, reports, and email marketing efforts.
She also will support Johnson with organization-wide communications needs. Additionally, she will continue to lead all downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) marketing and communications strategy, which works in collaboration with DDP to create a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown.
Schroeder is a former multimedia producer with Crain’s Detroit Business and a former award- winning television producer with WXYZ-TV in Southfield, and WLNS-TV in Lansing.
“The entire DDP team works hard to cultivate a welcoming downtown Detroit for everyone. Our mission to deliver economic and social impact in downtown Detroit must be represented through our authentic and engaging communication,” says Larson.
“I appreciate Anjana’s past contributions and am excited to have Talitha join us to combine their strengths as they lead our marketing and communications work. We are fortunate to have their passion and depth of experience to engage our diverse audiences and share the DDP story.”
