Downtown Ferndale and Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius Part Ways
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 14, 2015)
 
The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced that a change in leadership is coming, and that Cristina Sheppard-Decius will be leaving the position May 27.
According to a press release:
“The Ferndale DDA Board of Directors and Executive Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius, CMSM, entered into a mutual separation agreement for Ms. Sheppard-Decius to vacate the position of Executive Director of the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority.
“Ms. Sheppard-Decius’ hard work and dedication to Downtown Ferndale over the past 15 years is reflected in the tremendous transformation of our Downtown into one of the most dynamic destinations in Metro Detroit and Oakland County, and nationally recognized as a Great American Main Street. The foundation for Downtown Ferndale’s future success has been established by the efforts of Ms. Sheppard-Decius and our city’s tremendous volunteer spirit.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my hometown for these last 15 years and bringing to reality the dream and vision of so many residents and businesses of a revitalized downtown that mirrors our passions of this community,” Sheppard-Decius said. “I will continue to be passionate for downtowns as I transition into my next career path, and as a resident of Ferndale, I will always keep an eye on and be an unconditional supporter of Downtown Ferndale,” said Sheppard-Decius about her next steps.
The Ferndale DDA and Sheppard-Decius will take these next couple weeks to assure a smooth transition. Plans for the Ferndale DDA’s next steps will be announced soon and formal recommendations approved at their next meeting in June. “The Ferndale DDA has a solid group of volunteers who will help both staff and the Board during our transition process, and we will continue to progress and move forward,” said DDA Chairperson Dean Bach. “Downtown Ferndale will continue to be one of the best downtowns around.” The Ferndale DDA is holding a celebration for Ms. Sheppard-Decius’ time at the Ferndale DDA on her last day in office on May 27, 2015, at 6pm at Rosie O’Grady’s in Downtown Ferndale.
To learn more about the Ferndale DDA, visit www.downtownferndale.com.
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