Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the appointment of longtime public policy administrator Trisha Stein to the position of chief of staff. She will be responsible for overseeing many of the mayor’s key initiatives, including citywide communications and inter-departmental activities.
Stein replaces Alexis Wiley, who served in the position from May 2014 until her departure in November 2020 to run the mayor’s re-election campaign.
Stein has more than 25 years of experience in government and public policy. She has served as director of administrative operations for the Detroit Police Department for five years. During her time, she provided strategic planning and management of critical projects and priorities, and served as Chief James Craig’s top policy advisor. Some of her initiatives included Project Green Light Detroit, a partnership aimed at increasing public safety by using real-time video technology, and Ceasefire Detroit, which is a coordinated effort to address gun violence perpetrated by or against members of gangs, groups, or street crews. She will continue in her current position.
“(Trisha) has the leadership experience needed to make sure city departments are effectively coordinating and delivering our pledge that all Detroit residents have the opportunity to actively participate in their city’s resurgence,” says Duggan.
This new position marks Stein’s return to City Hall. Prior to joining the police department, Stein served as interim director of planning and development from 2014-2015. She developed the investment strategy and implementation plan for the city’s HUD entitlement funds that played a critical role in laying the groundwork for Detroit’s urban redevelopment strategy.
Stein has also served as the top administrator for the Wayne County prosecutor’s office, worked in London in the House of Commons, as a communications analyst for the Michigan House, and managed the campaign that helped elect Jennifer Granholm as Michigan Attorney General.
“I am excited to work with the highly talented team at the city and help bring together their efforts that will positively impact Detroiters,” says Stein. “I am ready for the challenges to come to ensure key strategic initiatives are implemented.”
