Ferndale DDA Appoints Sommer Realy Acting Director, Starts Search
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 15, 2023)
Ferndale, MI -Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Lena Stevens has resigned from the organization, and the board has appointed Sommer Realy to fill the position on an interim basis while conducting a search for Stevens replacement.
Realy has worked for the DDA for eight years, most recently as Community Engagement Manager. She was a volunteer before that with the Arts and Cultural Commission. Sommer has her degree in Business Administration with a focus on art and communications from Oakland Community College, and recently earned Leadership Certification through the Nation Main Street Program.
“As the engagement manager, my current title for Downtown Ferndale, it is important to me that this transition period is seamless, and engagement remains the same,” Realy told Oakland County Times. “I have had the pleasure of working with the previous 3 directors and a deputy director over the past last 8 years. During the last 3 almost 4 years, the businesses and world experienced some of the hardest years most of us have ever had with the COVID pandemic being present during most of them.”
“Lena was a mentor who included me in every step of all processes, polices and programs our department has implemented in the course of her time as executive director,” Realy added. “I am confident that the experience, knowledge, and overall work ethic that I have gained in my professional career will meet the demands of the DDA board of directors, the City of Ferndale and Downtown Ferndale as a whole. I am looking forward to these next few months, and the recruitment process needed to select the new executive director.”
In an email to businesses earlier this month, Stevens stated “I depart with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I leave the Ferndale DDA in a better place than when I first arrived. Through hard work and collaboration, we have created a solid foundation, built stronger partnerships, and opened doors for new opportunities. As I pass the torch to my remarkable colleague, Sommer Realy to serve as Acting Director, I am confident that this legacy will be carried forward and help pave the way for even greater achievements. The stage is set for fresh faces, ideas, and perspectives to breathe new life into the Ferndale DDA.”
Stevens added, “Sommer has been a force beside me since my first day, tirelessly working to enhance our community. Her contributions, from single handedly running the free PPE marketplace during the pandemic to launching our volunteer committee and spearheading our first downtown mural program, have left an indelible mark on Ferndale‘s landscape. I have every confidence that the DDA is in exceptional hands with Sommer at the helm, and I am immensely proud to have worked alongside her.”
Realy says she looks forward to the upcoming Summer events including Concerts on the Nine, Funky Ferndale Art Fair, and DIY. The DDA is working on a mural program to add even more public art to the eclectic downtown space, as well as art walks to bring people together. Realy’s priority will continue being to engage the community and support the local businesses.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support of the community and the City of Ferndale’s diverse and inclusive atmosphere,” Realy said. “It takes a lot of work to manage a downtown, but it doesn’t feel like work when there are so many people working together to keep Ferndale fun and unique.”
Learn more about Downtown Ferndale at https://downtownferndale.com/. Learn more about the Executive Director position at https://www.ferndalemi.gov/jobs/downtown-development-authority-executive-director.
