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Ferndale Welcomes Lena Stevens as New DDA Director
(Ferndale DDA, Oct. 14, 2019)
Ferndale, MI- The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board has selected the next person to lead the downtown as the new DDA executive director.
Lena Stevens, who has a background in public works leadership and government project management with the city of Decatur, Ga., was officially hired in a unanimous vote by the DDA Board on Sept. 30. Stevens was selected following a rigorous national search after former Executive Director Barry Hicks stepped down in April.
Stevens, a Metro Detroit native, said that she’s ready to return to the area and continue the DDA’s great momentum.
“After being away from Michigan for nearly 15 years, I’m thrilled to return home and join the incredible team here in Ferndale,” Stevens said. “The hard work and passion in this downtown have already cultivated such a unique sense of place, and I know that together we can continue to strengthen and grow that.”
Stevens began her career as a program specialist for the Michigan State University State and Local Government Program before taking a role in the City of Decatur Manager’s Office in 2008. She spent nearly ten years working in people and project management for Decatur—most notably as a resource conservation coordinator and public works project manager. She specializes in leading team-based work structures, designing and implementing sustainability practices, and high-level event planning and fundraising. She’s also focused on technology solutions and response and was responsible for leading the metro Atlanta community response for the installation of Google Fiber.
DDA Board Vice Chair Blake Scheer says that Stevens will bring a “wealth of knowledge and boots-on-the-ground experience” to the role.
“Lena has the passion and skills to bring Ferndale to the next level,” Scheer said. “She comes from a government management background and I believe she’ll be truly dedicated to our organization and vision. I couldn’t be more excited to bring her talents to the team.”
Learn more about the Ferndale DDA at www.DowntownFerndale.com,