MotorCities - Leadership

Board of Directors

Officers

Michael Bauman, Chair, Construction Administrator, Stantec

Michael Bauman RESIZED 400

Michael Bauman is a creative detail-oriented professional who has worked 30+ years in the architecture and construction industry. His professional experience includes all phases of project development: conceptual planning, estimating, scheduling, architecture/engineering management, construction management and complete program management. Currently, Michael works for Stantec, a global Architectural/Engineering and Built Environment Services firm. Michael’s focus is on educational and major commercial projects.

Previously, Michael worked with Ford Land, the real estate arm of Ford Motor Company, responsible for the development and construction of Ford’s interests in the built environment including offices, manufacturing, and engineering/test facilities. Work for Ford Land included pre-construction for the Dearborn Campus Transformation, restoration of the Ford Engineering Laboratory (Built in 1923), restoration and modernization of the Henry Ford II World Center (Ford World Headquarters) and renovation, restoration, and construction of Ford facilities worldwide. Michael started his career with the Detroit based architecture firm Albert Kahn Associates, founded in 1895, best known for Ford’s Rouge Complex, Ford Engineering Laboratory, General Motors Headquarters, the Fisher Building and numerous education and public buildings. Michael’s experience includes time with Walbridge (Construction Manager) and AVL (Anstalt fur Verbrennungkraftmaschinen List) leading the development of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) related test facilities in North America.

Michael twice graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Art with concentrations in Art/Architectural History, Historic Preservation and Construction Management and a Master of Science in Industrial Technology during which he earned a certificate in Historic Preservation. While with Albert Kahn Associates Michael became an adjunct professor for a decade and is currently on the Construction Management Department’s Industry Advisory Council.

Michael is a lifelong resident of the Detroit metro area currently living in Grosse Pointe Woods with his wife, Mary Ann, their two boys (now residents of New York and Georgia) and two dogs with a small automobile collection that includes a 2023 Mach-E, 2003 Mustang GT Convertible and a 1975 Gran Torino his grandmother bought after retiring from Ford Motor Company.

Mark Heppner, Immediate Past Chair, President & CEO, Ford House

George Etheridge, Vice Chair, Economic Development Policy Manager for Activate Detroit

George Etheridge of Detroit, is the Economic Development Policy Manager for Activate Detroit (formerly Thomas Group Consulting) in Detroit.

Previously, he was a City Planner, Historic Planner, and Policy Analyst for the Detroit City Council and Detroit City Planning Commission. Etheridge has served in various policy positions for the Detroit City Council since December of 2006. Prior to his time in municipal government, he served as a Legislative Assistant to both U.S. Senator Carl Levin, and U.S. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. focused on issues germane to the region. During his time with the City of Detroit, he has curated and produced a series of documentaries, History in Bronze and Stone, focused on the sculptures and monuments erected in honor of the men and women whose impacts have contributed to the rich history of this region and the landscape of the City of Detroit in particular. He currently serves on the Detroit Historic Designation Advisory Board’s review committee for Honorary Secondary Street Names ensuring the historic authenticity of persons and events.

Etheridge also serves as one of the City Council’s liaisons for the City’s Community Benefits process in which he has had a role in overseeing the Neighborhood Advisory Council’s processes for both the FCA expansion and the Ford Motor Company Corktown Development projects. Etheridge currently serves as his neighborhood association President for the Castle Rouge Civic Association nestled in the shadow of the Detroit Diesel Assembly Plant in Redford, MI where he has forged a long-standing relationship with the men and women of UAW Local 163.

Etheridge is degreed with a concentration in Political Science and a minor in U.S. History from Wayne State University. He also studied Political Science with a concentration in Pre-law at Bethany College (formerly Bethany Christian College) in Bethany, WV. Etheridge most recently completed a Fellowship with the Michigan Political Leadership Program through the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research College of Social Science at Michigan State University in which a significant portion of the program was dedicated to the automotive history and contributions of the region.

Mallory Bower, Secretary, Historic Preservation Specialist, City of Detroit

Cynthia Jones, Treasurer, Director of Experiences, Exhibitions and Engagements, The Henry Ford

Board of Directors

Shawn Pomaville-Size, Executive Director, Motorcities National Heritage Area

Chris Moyer, Truscott Rossman

Chris Moyer is the Head of Public Affairs at Truscott Rossman, Michigan’s premier strategic communications firm. In this role, Chris helps clients tell the stories that move public perception, shape great public policy, and position Michigan as a global leader in innovation, clean energy, and economic opportunity. He partners with businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders to build the kind of strategic communications that drive real policy outcomes and strengthen Michigan’s standing on the national and world stage.

Before joining Truscott Rossman, Chris served as senior director of communications and public affairs at Visit Detroit, where he led a global public relations campaign to highlight Detroit’s iconic status as a cultural and innovation leader. He has worked with media outlets like Good Morning America, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, TIME, Conde Nast Traveler, AFAR, and Michelin to promote Southeast Michigan. In addition to his day-to-day work, Chris led government relations and communications for Visit Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft, working directly with the NFL to highlight what a dynamic and culturally inclusive community Detroit is. The NFL Draft resulted in more than 5,700 positive media stories about Detroit.

Chris joined Visit Detroit in 2022 after spending more than a decade working at the nexus of clean energy, public policy, smart cities, and mobility. Chris worked as the director of communications for the Detroit Regional Chamber, where he led critical economic vitality programs for Southeast Michigan. Before that, he was the Industry Principal for Zpryme Research, a market research, media, and events company based in Austin, Texas. In this role, Chris helped launch the “Cities of Future” research practice and event. He led work on how digital transformation will be the catalyst for renewable energy adoption and a clean energy transition.

Earlier in his career, Chris served as a speechwriter for the Governor of Colorado, and worked in public affairs and campaign politics for candidates in Virginia, the U.K., and Colorado as a policy advisor. As a writer and analyst, he brings experience from the U.K., EU, and North America.

In 2026, Chris was elected to the Board of the Detroit Athletic Club. He was also elected to City Council in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He also serves as Chair of the Downtown Development Authority for Grosse Pointe, and the Secretary of the Board for both Global Ties Detroit, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) in Detroit.

Chris is passionate about his family and dogs, travel, Detroit sports, soccer, and public service.

Paul Corbett, MICHauto

Russell Doré, Dore Productions

Ken Hayward, Cheif Operating Officer, Visit Detroit

Ken Hayward, an accomplished sports, hospitality and healthcare executive, is the Executive Advisor for Community & Government Relations at Visit Detroit, the only organization that promotes metro Detroit regionally, nationally and internationally as a convention, business meeting and tourism destination.

In his role, Hayward serves as a primary liaison between government officials and community organizations in Southeast Michigan and Lansing and Visit Detroit’s executive leadership team, including President and CEO Claude Molinari.

Hayward joined Visit Detroit in February 2025 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where he served as Vice President and Special Assistant to the CEO for Community Relations from 2020-24. Throughout his tenure, Hayward spearheaded BCBSM’s Social Mission and Community Responsibility efforts which included the Building Healthy Communities children’s health partnership and the Strengthening the Safety Net grant program for Michigan’s free clinics, among other community event partnerships.

Hayward also led efforts with the City of Detroit to align BCBSM’s more than $5 million investment in Mayor Mike Duggan’s Strategic Neighborhood Initiative.

From 1985-2020, Hayward was the Executive Vice President and Managing Director for one of the most iconic and historic hotels in the nation – Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. There, he upheld the hotel’s legacy as a landmark destination of excellence. Hayward was responsible for overseeing all operations, branding and promotions of the hotel, and his enduring contributions to Michigan tourism have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2020 Pure Michigan Legacy Award and the 2019 Historic Hotels of America Hotelier of the Year honor.

As a former student-athlete and lifelong supporter of the University of Michigan Athletics, Hayward has deeply impacted Michigan’s sports community. Inducted into the 2024 U-M Hall of Honor, he was recognized for his distinguished baseball career for the Wolverines, in which he earned All-Big Ten honors in three seasons. Hayward was also Michigan’s recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, the conference’s most prestigious award given to one athlete per university who exemplifies excellence in both academics and athletics. He served as a team captain and holds multiple records that still stand in Michigan Baseball history to this day. He is also a member of the State of Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hayward has served on several boards throughout his career, including the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, Detroit Regional Chamber Executive Committee, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Biz Board Executive Committee, Parade Company, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, Michigan Retailers Association, Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, and as the Board Chair of both the Michigan Travel Commission and the Historic Hotels of America.

Margaret Hehr, photographer

Sue Huggett, Gilmore Car Museum

Bob Kreipke, Ford Motor Company (retired)

Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan, Travel Michigan, Lansing, MI

Don Nicholson, Don Nicholson Enterprises

Julie Pingston, Choose Lansing

Heidi Magyar, General Motors

Heidi Magyar is Director of Heritage Operations at General Motors, where she leads the strategy, stewardship and storytelling of the company’s heritage assets, including GM’s historic Durant-Dort Carriage Factory and the new GM Heritage Center. In this role, she is helping bring GM’s history to life in ways that honor the company’s legacy while inspiring its future. The work is especially meaningful to Magyar, who served as director of the Durant-Dort project nine years ago and is thrilled to be working with the team to bring the new Heritage Center to life.

Previously, Magyar led Community and Social Impact at General Motors, overseeing the company’s community engagement efforts around the world. She also previously served as Director of Community Outreach Programs, where she launched GM Cares, the company’s employee volunteer program. In addition, she helped found the GM Student Corps program, a comprehensive summer internship program for high school students in Metro Detroit, Flint and Pontiac that prepares students through community service, life skills, team building and mentorship.

Magyar also served as Chief of Staff for GM’s Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, helping manage day-to-day operations for a global team of 30,000 people.

With more than 25 years of experience, she has worked across multiple areas of the business, including communications, sales, service and marketing, engineering, and manufacturing facilities including casting, stamping and production.

The foundation of Heidi’s leadership is built on the belief that relationships matter. She serves on the national board of Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, and is one of 25 commissioners appointed by the Governor of Michigan to the Michigan Community Service Commission, which uses service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities.

Magyar holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in Communications and Public Relations and completed the Ross School of Business Executive Education Leadership program.

In her free time, Heidi enjoys time on the family farm, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.

Nancy Thompson

Christopher Topham, Stellantis

John Weyer, UAW

Leadership Council

Chair, Honarable Deborah I. Dingell, U.S. House of Representatives

Debbie Dingell was elected U.S. Representative to Congress from Michigan’s 12th District in November 2014. Her election marks the second time voters have elected her to office, the first was in 2006 when she was elected to an eight-year term on the Wayne State University (WSU) Board of Governors.

An active civic and community leader, Debbie is a recognized national advocate for women and children.

For more than 30 years Debbie served one of Michigan’s largest employers, the General Motors (GM) Corporation, where she was President of the GM Foundation and a senior executive responsible for public affairs. In her commitment to job creation, Debbie recently led the effort to bring the 10,000 Small Businesses initiative, a $20 million partnership designed to help create jobs and economic growth, to southeast Michigan. She is a past chair of the Manufacturing Initiative at the American Automotive Policy Council.

With values instilled by her Catholic education, Debbie’s activism took root in her passion for issues important to women and children. She successfully fought to have women included in federally-funded health research, and advocated for greater awareness of issues directly related to women’s health, including breast cancer and women's heart health. She is a founder and past chair of the National Women’s Health Resource Center and the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has served on numerous boards related to women’s issues including the advisory boards for the NIH Panel for Women’s Research, the Michigan Women's Economic Club, the Susan B. Komen Foundation, and the board of the Michigan Women’s Foundation. She was a co-founder of both the first Race for the Cures in Michigan and in Washington, D.C.

Debbie has led a number of efforts and initiatives related to young people and education stemming from her role as a WSU Governor and co-chair of the Children's Leadership Council, a business-led advocacy group that promotes investment in early childhood education. She chaired the Michigan Infant Mortality Task Force, the Baby Your Baby public education campaign that reduced infant mortality rates in Michigan, and has served on the board of Michigan’s Children, the only statewide independent voice working to ensure that public policies are made in the best interest of children from cradle to career. She was appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and the Cherry Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth.

Debbie is a member of the Democratic National Committee and has chaired numerous political campaigns. Much of her recent work has been focused on ethical issues and social responsibility as they relate to government and business. She co-chaired One United Michigan, which sought to preserve and support programs that ensure equal opportunity in Michigan. She chairs the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, a statewide organization that brings business, labor and government together to find commonality on issues. She continues to serve on the Parade Company board of directors of which she is past chair, where she helped save America’s Thanksgiving Parade, an important Detroit tradition. A known “bridge-builder,” she continues to promote and lead efforts toward greater understanding among people of differing points of views and backgrounds.

Debbie is a respected voice in Michigan. She co-hosted Detroit Public Television’s “Am I Right,” regularly served as a panelist on “Flashpoint,” a public affairs program on WDIV-TV4 Detroit, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business.

Debbie resides in Dearborn. She holds both a B.S.F.S. in Foreign Services and an M.S. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.

Rod Alberts, Former Executive Director, North American International Auto Show

Larry Alexander, Former President & CEO, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Steve Bieda

Steve Bieda is a lifelong resident of Macomb County. Raised in Warren, he attended Cousino High School, received his bachelor’s degree and Masters of Public Administration from Wayne State University, and later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law as well as a Masters of Tax Law from Wayne State University Law School.

Elected State Representative for Michigan’s 25th District in 2002, Steve got right to work for the people of Macomb County and Michigan. His public service continued in the State Senate, being elected to serve the 9th District representing Macomb County in 2010 and again in 2014. He sponsored over thirty Public Acts on subjects ranging from the state’s tax structure, consumer protection, economic development and judicial reform. He authored the Legal Defense Fund Reporting act, the only major piece of ethics reform to reach the Governor’s desk in a decade, and fought for it over several legislative sessions until it became law. Steve supported comprehensive revisions to Michigan’s bottle deposit law to stop the flow of fraudulent containers from out of state, saving Michigan millions of dollars. Not one to shrink from a challenge, Steve was a driving force behind the replacement for the out of date Single Business Tax, replacing it with legislation that provided tax credits and incentives for businesses to grow and invest in Michigan while maintaining the flow of needed revenue. His expertise in financial management resulted in his appointment to the financial management review teams for the cities of Ecorse and River Rouge. Working closely with members of the legislative and executive branch, including the State Treasurer and the Governor, Steve’s record reflects the consistent pursuit of cleaner government, a cleaner environment and a stronger economy for the state of Michigan.

Prior to his service in the State Legislature, Steve Bieda worked as Director of Labor Relations in the City of Warren and Senior Policy Analyst for Michigan’s House of Representatives. Steve also enjoys the distinction of being the only living Michiganian to design a coin for the U.S. Mint, the reverse of the United States Olympic Half Dollar issued in 1992. Steve was Chairman for the Thomas Edison Silver Dollar Project, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the invention of the light bulb. In addition, Steve had the honor of acting as fundraiser and grant-writer for the Michigan Labor Legacy Project. This resulted in the largest monument commemorating the labor movement in the United States: “Transcending”, which can be seen on the Detroit riverfront in Hart Plaza.

Robert A. Bury, former President & CEO, Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford

Bury, 65, led the Detroit Historical Society as executive director and CEO for 16 years before stepping down in June 2018.

Under his leadership, the society took on operational responsibility of the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Collections Resource Center from the City of Detroit, which had run the entities since the late 1940s.

He also led a successful $21.2 million comprehensive campaign and numerous other initiatives including Detroit 67: Looking Back to Move Forward, which included an exhibition and digital archive that went on to win the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor given to libraries and museums for making significant contributions to their communities.

Fair Lane continues the massive undertaking of restoring and reimagining Henry and Clara Ford's family home and estate.The ongoing restoration involves fine detailed work by world class artisans and specialists as well as major upgrades to the estate's infrastructure. The project is being funded through a $50 million campaign.

Prior to coming to the Society, Bury was the senior vice-president and chief operating officer at the Detroit Science Center. At the Science Center, Bury worked closely with the board of trustees, government, business and community leaders to raise nearly $30 million to expand and renovate the facility.

Bury joined the Science Center after nearly 22 years in marketing, sales, public relations and external affairs at SBC Ameritech (now AT&T). He is active in the community and is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe, and serves on the board of the Dominican Literacy Center, the University Cultural Center Association, and the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education. He holds a bachelor of science degree in economics and management from Oakland University and a masters in Information Technology Management from Michigan State University. Bury resides in Grosse Pointe Park with his wife Mary Ann and daughter Meredith.

William R. Chapin

Matthew P. Cullen, President and COO of Rock Enterprises, Quicken Loans

William C. Ford Jr., Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company

Steven K. Hamp, Hamp Advisors

Margery Krevsky, President / CEO Productions Plus, author of Sirens of Chrome

Faye Nelson, Director of Michigan Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Faye Nelson joined the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as Director of Michigan Programs in 2018. In this role, Nelson provides leadership and oversight of the foundation’s investments in Michigan to create conditions that ensure children have opportunities to thrive in equitable communities. Nelson, who works in WKKF’s Detroit office, leads the foundation’s statewide grantmaking priorities, in collaboration and partnership with grantees, communities, and other stakeholders throughout the region.

Most recently, Nelson served as the 2017-2018 Sojourner Truth Fellow at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Using the transformation of the Detroit riverfront as a case study, Nelson and graduate students – from both Taubman College and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy – examined, over the course of thirteen weeks, the catalytic impact of placemaking and public space development in urban communities like Detroit.

Previously, Nelson was vice president of DTE Energy, and president and board chair of the DTE Energy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the company. During her tenure, Nelson co-led the restructuring of the foundation and oversaw its annual grantmaking to over 400 nonprofits throughout the state of Michigan.

Prior to her role at DTE Energy, Nelson served as the inaugural president and CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and led the restoration of the Detroit riverfront. During Nelson’s ten-year tenure, she oversaw the public-private partnership transformation of the abandoned industrial waterfront into a vibrant public space of more than 3.5 miles of parks, plazas, pavilions, and pathways. To date, the riverfront receives more than three million annual visitors and has generated more than $1 billion in public and private investment.

Nelson is actively involved in her community and has more than 20 years of board service experience – 14 of which were with Compuware Corporation. Currently, she serves on the board of several Detroit area organizations, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Henry Ford Health System and Health Network.

Nelson is the recipient of numerous awards, including Crain’s Detroit Business 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan Award in 2016, the Walsh College Jeffery Barry Education Excellence & Community Service Award, the Damon J. Keith 24th Annual Soul and Spirit Humanitarian Award, the Grio’s 100 African American History Makers presented by NBC News, and the Milliken Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Environmental Council.

Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Mercy College of Detroit and a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and a life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference.