MotorCities - Leadership

Leadership

Board of Directors Officers

Robert Kreipke, Chairman, Corporate Historian & Manager of Creative Services, Ford Motor Company

Robert Kreipke is Ford Motor Company’s Corporate Historian and Creative Manager. Bob’s career at Ford includes producing awarding winning films and videotapes, producing live shows, and executive strategic planning. Bob has also authored two international books – Ford Motor Company, the First 100 Years and The Model T.

In addition to becoming Ford's Corporate Historian, Bob directs various nationally recognized films, including award winning documentaries shown on PBS.

His still photography and videos capture the beauty around the Great Lakes region and are displayed in many museums throughout the state. Bob lectures around the country relaying Ford’s colorful heritage.

During the past years he has served as President of several organizations: Oakland County Navy League, The International Television Association, The Detroit Producers Guild, and Historic Fort Wayne Advisory Board.

Bob has also worked as a Disc Jockey on WXYZ and has been a musician since 14. He has performed with many of the early classic rock and roll bands from this area.

Robert Kreipke
Corp. Historian & Manager of Creative Service
Ford Motor Company
World Headquarters, Suite 22
One American Drive
Dearborn, MI 48126

Michael O’Callaghan, Vice Chair, Executive Vice President and COO, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Michael O’Callaghan was appointed Executive Vice President of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau in early 1999. He brought a unique skill set to Detroit’s century-old destination marketing organization and, in partnership with the Bureau’s president and board of directors, transformed its image to that of a regional economic player generating $4.5 billion annually in direct and spin-off spending for the region.

He currently directs a staff of 30 professionals working in human resources, finance, information technology, membership and customer services. He has primary responsibility for overseeing the DMCVB’s $12 million dollar annual budget.

O’Callaghan’s 17 years of work for such nationally recognized hospitality leaders as Sheraton, Hilton and Westin Hotels and, reporting directly to industrialist Heintz Precter, the Heritage Hospitality Group, has given him expertise in brand differentiation, customer motivation and economic forecasting, in addition to respected operational skills.

Before he joined the DMCVB, O’Callaghan served on the Bureau’s board of directors, representing the local hotel community. He was an elected member of the Bureau’s Owner Advisory Committee, formed by Michigan legislative act to provide oversight for the Bureau’s marketing funds, and served for several years as the Bureau’s treasurer.

O’Callaghan is a past chairman of the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association and he continues on that Board.

He is a professional member of the Destination Marketing Association International, board member of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. He is a member of the Hospitality Curriculum Advisory Committee for Eastern Michigan University, a member of the Board of Directors of St. John’s complex for the Archdiocese of Detroit and a Board member of MotorCities National Heritage Area.

On a personal note, O’Callaghan lives with his wife, Marcia, in Canton, Michigan.

Nancy Thompson, Secretary

Nancy Thompson has been involved in strategic planning and board leadership for MotorCities National Heritage Area for a number of years. Nancy also is currently associated with the Count Your Steps Inc, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, Michigan Festivals and Events Association, Michigan Cultural Coalition, and city of Birmingham Historic District Study Committee.

Nancy has worked for Oakland County Economic Developlment Services, as a Senior Financial Analyst and Policy Analyst for the Ontario Ministry of Housing as well as a Market Analyst for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. She received her formal training as an Urban Geographer in Canada at York University and the University of Toronto.

Ted O’Dell, Treasurer

Ted O’Dell is an accomplished Chief Executive and Operations Manager with a proven ability to develop and implement strategies that support the overall objectives for the greater good of the community through advocacy.

He has served in both elected and appointed public office including that of Township Supervisor and City Manager. As City Manager, he spearheaded the planning and restoration of a historic municipal hydro-electric facility turning it into a revenue stream for the city and a community educational opportunity with an emphasis on history, environment and clean energy.

For eleven years Mr. O’Dell also worked in multiple rolls inside both chambers of the Michigan legislature including with the Speaker of the House and the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations committee where he honed his skills in constituent and public relations, government budgeting and auditing processes.

Having grown up in Oakville, Michigan he has a long line of automotive workers and managers in his family dating back to the 1920’s. Having purchased his first classic car at the age of sixteen (a car still in his collection) Mr. O’Dell enjoys collecting petrolia memorabilia, Edison cylinder players along with anything connected with the Ford Model T, Shell Oil and the orphan car company of Kaiser-Frazer.

Having studied historic site preservation upon entering college, he went on to major in Political Science and Labor Management Relations while at Washtenaw Community College and the American University in Washington, D.C.

He currently serves as the Michigan Policy Campaign Manager for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. And serves as President of the Central Michigan T’s which is associated with the Model T Ford Club International.

Board of Directors

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

MotorCities National Heritage Area an affiliate of the National Park Service.

For the past four years, Shawn has been the Executive Director of The MotorCities National Heritage Area, an affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the automotive and labor heritage of the State of Michigan. As a native Michigander, Shawn shares the internationally important and inspiring story of the impact that the automotive industry has had on our economy and our society.

Shawn returns to her home state after fifteen years at the helm of Nevada Volunteers, the Governor’s Commission on Service and AmeriCorps in Reno, Nevada. As the founding Executive Director at Nevada Volunteers, and along with a governor-appointed board of directors, Shawn helped strengthen both the volunteer and non-profit sectors in Nevada.

She has served on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association of State Service Commissions and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas.

Graduating cum laude from Eastern Michigan University where she attended on an Acting scholarship, Shawn has built a career in nonprofit management with a specific expertise in federal government grants and community-based partnerships. She currently volunteers her time as a board member of The Champions of Wayne, a mentoring program at her high school alma mater in Wayne Michigan. She and her husband Earl are proud parents of five adult children and one grandson.

Shawn Pomaville-Size
Executive Director
Phone: (313) 259-3425 ext: 301
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kevin Kirbitz

Kevin Kirbitz
Operations Manager
Durant-Dort Factory One, Flint, Mich.

Kevin Kirbitz’ engineering expertise, Buick pedigree and deep knowledge of General Motors have converged into an automotive historian’s dream job: witnessing the
transformation of the 19th century Durant-Dort Carriage Company factory into a modern community resource that also honors the innovators and risk-takers who helped
make GM possible.

As the first-ever operations manager of Durant-Dort Factory One, Kirbitz is responsible for the overall, day-today management of the facility, including coordinating special events, exhibits, the use of meeting space and other duties. The newly renovated facility, once one of the largest carriage factories in the world, is considered the birthplace of GM.

Kirbitz also has put his stamp on the company through more than 35 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, quality, and product development. A past GM Chairman’s Honors winner, Kirbitz was most recently an engineering manager in Advanced Vehicle Development at GM’s Technical Center.

In addition to his engineering awards, Kirbitz, a Flint native whose parents spent a combined 62 years at GM, has been recognized for his passion for documenting and preserving automotive and local history. His work has been cited in a number of books related to GM and Buick history, including The Buick: A Complete History and Images of
America, Chevrolet. He collaborated with former colleague and author Lawrence R. Gustin on David Buick’s Marvelous Motor Car: The Men and the Automobile that Launched General Motors.

Kirbitz’ work also has appeared in the Buick Club of America’s Bugle and the Society of Automotive Historians’ Automotive History Review. For his writing skills and contributions, in 2008 he received the Buick Club of America/Terry Dunham Literary Award and Buick Motor Division’s Buick Heritage Trophy for his research on David Buick’s early life and career.

As a teen, Kirbitz designed an award-winning logo for the opening of Crossroads Village, an enclave of relocated 19th century buildings and narrow-gauge railroad located north of Flint.

Kirbitz earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in manufacturing management from General Motors Institute, now Kettering University. He serves on the boards of the Durant-Dort Carriage Company Foundation; Back to the Bricks; Buick Heritage Alliance; and Carman Cougar Charities Corporation.

He lives in Grand Blanc, Mich. with his wife, Denise, whose father, grandfather and great-grandfather worked at Buick. They have two grown children – Michael, a GM engineer at the Milford Proving Ground (who is also married to a GM engineer); and Kellie, a pediatric oncology nurse.

Glenn Shagena

Shagena, P. Glenn (Glenn)
Vice President - Head of Employee Relations, FCA - North America
P. Glenn Shagena was appointed Vice President - Head of Employee Relations, FCA - North America on June 9, 2015. Prior to this position, he served as Director – Human Resources, FCA Mexico.

In his current position, he is the lead representative for the following functions at FCA US LLC, formerly Chrysler Group LLC: Labor Relations; Integrated Health Care & Disability; Retirement & Savings; Manufacturing HR/ER; Occupational Safety & Health; FCA Mexico and FCA Canada HR/ER; Labor Economics & Benefit Finance; and UAW-Chrysler National Training Center.

Shagena joined Chrysler Corporation in 1985 as a labor relations representative at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Mich.) and has since held a number of positions with increasing responsibility in Human Resources and Employee Relations.

His work and academic background includes:

June 2015, Vice President - Head of Employee Relations, FCA - North America
2013, Director – Human Resources, FCA Mexico
2009, Director – Human Resources, Manufacturing/WCM, Chrysler Group LLC
2007, Director – Group Human Resources Manufacturing, Chrysler LLC
2004, Senior Manager – Vehicle Engineering Human Resources, DaimlerChrysler
2003, Senior Manager – Union Relations
2000, General Manager – Human Resources, Mercedes Benz North America
1997, Manager – Human Resources, St. Louis South (Mo.), Chrysler Corporation
1996, Manager – Human Resources, St. Louis II South
1994, Staff Labor Programs Administrator, Chrysler Center
1991, Labor Relations Supervisor, Twinsburg Stamping Plant (Ohio)
1990, Labor Relations Administrator – Union Relations, Chrysler Center
1989, Joint Skill Development & Training Specialist
1987, Labor Relations Representative – Salaried Union Relations, Chrysler Center
1985, Labor Relations Representative, Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Mich.)

Shagena received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania (1985) and a master’s degree in Organizational and Human Resources Development from Ohio’s Case Western Reserve University (1997).

John Neilson

John is currently the Vice President for Venues of Museums and Attractions at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. In his current role John is responsible for the leadership and coordination of a strategic direction for Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, including the quality, improvement and delivery of guest experiences, staff excellence, alignment, and the financial performance of the venues.

John began his career at The Henry Ford in 1997 and has served in a variety of leadership positions, including General Manager of Village and Museum Operations, Manager of Public and School Programs, and Leader of Transportation & Trades Programs. He has led or served on a number of institutional projects, from the construction of the D,T&M Roundhouse to the design and implementation of the Driving America exhibition to relocation and reinstallation buildings, exhibits, and new experiences for twelve historic structures during the massive Village restoration project. Most recently he led the planning and design for the Manufacturing Innovation Experience at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

Prior to joining The Henry Ford, John held leadership positions at museums in Ohio and Texas and with the National Park Service in Nebraska and New Mexico. He holds the M.A. degree in American history from New Mexico State University and the B.S. degree in Recreation & Park Administration from the University of Wyoming. Neilson is a 2005 graduate of the J. Paul Getty Center’s Museum Leadership Institute at Los Angeles, and a 1993 graduate of the Western Archives Institute at the University of California at Berkeley. John and his wife Julie have two children and live in Livonia.

About The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford, founded as The Edison Institution in 1929 by automotive pioneer Henry Ford, is a 250-acre National Historic Landmark site in Dearborn, Michigan. It is the country’s largest indoor/outdoor American history complex, comprising five unique venues: the 9.5-acre Henry Ford Museum; Greenfield Village, an outdoor living history complex with over 80 historic structures moved here from locations throughout the country and representing 300 years of American history; the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, providing access to a real-life truck plant; the Giant Screen Experience; and the Benson Ford Research Center. The campus also includes Henry Ford Academy, a 500-student, high-performing, charter public high school.

David Elsila

David Elsila is a retired teacher and currently the Editor for the Michigan Labor History Society. David is an Eastern Michigan University graduate.

David also co-author of the “The Color of Law,” (Wayne State University Press) and contributing author to “Working Detroit” (Wayne State University Press) and “The New Labor Press” (Cornell University Press)

Past work experience:
Classroom teacher, Livonia Public Schools
Editor, Michigan Teacher
Editor, American Teacher and Changing Education, Washington, D.C.
Editor, Solidarity Magazine (UAW), Detroit, Mich.
Instructor, Wayne State University Labor School

Community activity:
Past Vice-President, ACLU Metropolitan Detroit Chapter
Past Board member, Cranbrook Peace Foundation
Treasurer, Program Committee Co-Chair, Michigan Labor History Society
Editor, Looking Back, Moving Forward, Michigan Labor History Society
Co-coordinator, Michigan Labor Legacy Project (“Transcending” landmark, Hart Plaza, Detroit)

John Dau

As a life long resident of Macomb County, John is currently an engineering manager in the generation department at DTE Energy. In his almost 35 years with DTE John has held a variety of increasingly challenging positions. He received is BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1982, followed his MS in mechanical engineering from U of M in 1985. He also received his professional engineering certification from state of Michigan in 1988. John is also a graduate of Leadership Macomb. He is married to wife Dianne and they have two children.

Bill Nickels

Bill grew up in a Dearborn Ford family and retired from Schoolcraft College where he taught chemistry and represented the faculty as union president. Married, he and his wife have one son and two 1960s Thunderbirds. Living in Ypsilanti, volunteer work began with a local historic preservation group and continued with the Ypsilanti Historical Museum, 12 years as an elected member of Ypsilanti City Council, and 15 years as board secretary for the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum. He also served as secretary, treasurer, vice-chair and chair of the Ypsilanti Convention & Visitors Bureau. CVB leadership led to being chair of Washtenaw County’s Accommodation Ordinance Commission for seven years until a new commission with a broader focus replaced it in 2016. Bill presently serves on the board of the new combined Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor convention and visitors bureau.

Chris Shires

Chris Shires is the Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI. He was appointed in January, 2017.

Chris had served as the Holland Museum as its Executive Director leading the organization through American Alliance of Museum’s reaccreditation, rebranding, and new marketing initiatives while guiding the organization through its strategic plan. Before this position, Shires served as the Director of Interpretation and Programs at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, where he developed a love of design and the impact of the automobile on American culture.He has also helped develop a series of new public and educational programs and exhibits for the Ford House.

Prior to his time in Michigan, Shires first served as the Interpretive Services Manager and later, the Director of Exhibits, Education and Programs, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a member of the new museum’s start-up team. Other previous positions were held at the Campbell House Museum and the St. Louis Mercantile Library. Shires earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Marshall University and a Master of Arts in History, along with a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Chris and his wife Greta have a six-year-old son, Fuller and four-year-old daughter, Campbell.

Russell Doré

Russell Doré is a historical speaker who has been developing presentations for over 20 years. His programs include the following one-hour sessions with accompanying visuals: Henry Ford: His Company and His Life; Billy Durant: Founder of General Motors; Walter Chrysler: His Company and His Life; Studebaker, Packard, Nash and Hudson: How They Started and Where They Went; The Dodge Brothers: Their Company and Their Lives; America’s Classiest Cars: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg, & Stutz, and The Wright Brothers, Bill Boeing & Donald Douglas: They Put America in the Air.

Doré Productions also offers the following interactive programs featuring actors who portray historical characters as they interact with the audience: The Big Three in 1925: Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler and Billy Durant; Henry and Friends: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone. Individual interactive presentations are also available featuring one of the following: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, or Billy Durant. These productions are all authentic, but are done with a keen sense of humor.

Russ is a member of the Stewardship Council of the Motor Cities National Heritage Area, a past board member of the Henry Ford Heritage Association and a member of the Northville Historical Society. He holds Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in social sciences from Michigan State University and the University of Washington.

Jeff Romig

Jeff Romig is president of Pyramid Leadership, LLC of Three Rivers, MI which provides consulting services in the areas of strategic planning, talent and leadership development, executive coaching, business development and business execution.

Jeff retired in April 2017 as corporate director of development and a member of the executive committee for Armstrong Global Holdings, a position he held since 2008. His leadership responsibilities included M&A, leadership development, strategic planning and new business development.

Prior to joining Armstrong, he served as vice president of marketing for the Power Systems Division of Cooper Industries (now an Eaton Company) and in a variety of global executive roles in 22 years at Eaton Corporation, including; sales and marketing leadership roles and division general manager in the truck group, corporate vice president of supply chain management and most recently as vice president and general manager of a number of businesses in the automotive group. Before joining Eaton, he was associated with Ford Motor Company in a variety of automotive field marketing roles.

Romig holds a Bachelor of Science degree in automotive industrial technology from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in management from Nazareth College. He is also a graduate of the 2020 Global Leadership Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. In addition, Jeff participated in and later served as faculty member of Eaton Corporations internal executive leadership development program.

Jeff is a board member of the Gilmore Car Museum, a member of the Three Rivers Rotary Club (named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2014) and a board member of the Fisher Lake Association. He is a former board member (2014-2016) of Southwest Michigan First, and the St. Joseph County United Way, serving as its president in 2012 and completing 6 years of service to the board in 2014. Past community involvement also includes serving on advisory boards at Howard University, Ferris State University and Northwood University and as board member of Three Rivers Community Schools.

Jeff and his wife Harriett were raised and reside in Three Rivers, Michigan and have three children and five grandchildren. While they have lived and worked in other communities, they are proud to call Three Rivers their home and are dedicated to supporting the unique quality of life available in southwest Michigan.

Robert Kreipke

David Cartwright

David is currently Assistant Director, Division of Parks, for Wayne County Public Services. In his position, David has oversaw a number of park initiatives throughout Wayne County including the following:

Assisted in the development of contracts including Warren Valley and Inkster Valley Golf Courses.
Oversaw administration of contracts such as Segway in Hines Park.
Administered and distributed the Millage Allocation Funds to all 15 Wayne County Commissioners for Capital Improvement Projects/mutual interest in their communities.
Currently coordinating the efforts of Wayne County Parks to receive national accreditation through CAPRA (The Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies)
Assisted in the implementation, coordinating and development of new recreational, athletic, educational and nature event such as Earth Day 2016.

David also has professional experience in a number of park/recreational and labor-related organizations.

John Clor

John Clor is Enthusiast Communications Manager for Ford Performance.

A veteran journalist, Clor has owned, raced, worked on, written and spoken about Fords and Mustangs for some 45 years. After a 15-year career at The Detroit News, he shifted to automotive journalism with stints at AutoWeek magazine and later Edmunds.com. Clor joined the Ford Special Vehicle Team in 1995 and spent the better part of the next decade working on SVT Communications, PR and Marketing. Since 2007, he’d been managing a club outreach program and enthusiast communications for Ford Racing, a job he now does for Ford Performance, as well as managing all enthusiast content on FordPerformance.com.

Clor is an Iacocca Award Winner, author of the book Mustang 2015, plus Mustang Dynasty (2007 & 2009), and host of his own local cable-access TV show, “Cars In Context.” He’s also a member of several Ford-based car-clubs, and is the proud owner of two ’70s era Mustangs, including one he calls "a long-term project.".

Michael O’Callaghan, Vice Chair

Nancy Thompson, Secretary

Ted O’Dell, Treasurer

Scott Bentley

Scott Bentley, NPS River Raisin Battle Field, Superintendent

Scott J. Bentley is the first Superintendent of River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Mich. Bentley, a 20 plus year National Park Service (NPS) veteran, started at the Battlefield January 16, 2011 after transferring from San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where he was the Superintendent.

Bentley’s NPS career has been broad and varied, both professionally and geographically. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he joined the NPS in 1991 as a Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park. Following Yellowstone, Bentley served as a Park Ranger at San Antonio Missions NHP, as a Supervisory Park Ranger at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and as the Chief of Operations for the opening of Oklahoma City National Memorial (NM) before becoming a Superintendent. In Oklahoma City, Bentley was instrumental in shaping an unprecedented partnership at the Oklahoma City NM and implementing startup operations for this world class memorial.

Following Oklahoma City NM, Bentley served as the Superintendent of George Washington Carver National Monument (NM) in Diamond, Missouri. At the NM he worked with the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands to fully evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of park interpretive techniques, and guided the development of numerous interactive interpretive exhibits and the construction of a new visitor education center while simultaneously completing final land acquisition and environmental remediation necessary to complete the national monument.

From the NM, Bentley accepted the Superintendence of Assateague Island National Seashore (NS) along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. At Assateague Island, he worked again with the Eppley Institute to conduct an in-depth visitor survey to determine the motivations, expectations, interests, and needs of visitors. Using the research and in-depth scientific date on the Island, Bentley lead a the complete redevelopment of the north end of the Island, guided a joint general management planning process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, designed and secured funding for a new visitor center and visitor center exhibits, and secured funding to bring new nutrient removal technology to the Island’s waste water treatment facility to protect the Maryland coastal bays. Bentley also served on a detail to the Northeast Regional Office of the NPS to assist with major issues facing the Region and on a detail in Washington D.C. as a special assistant to the NPS Director responsible for the kick-off of the NPS Centennial and other special service-wide projects.

Following his assignments at Assateague Island, Bentley returned to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park as the Superintendent. In San Antonio, Bentley oversaw efforts to attain recognition of the Missions as a World Heritage Site (achieved by the Park and partners in 2015) and to expand the parks boundary to protect important historic assets, the development of programs to reach and engage new diverse audiences, the implementation of new historic preservation monitoring using LIDAR technology in partnership with CyArk, resolved a decade old struggle to restore and reopen the San Juan Acequia to provide period demonstration farming (achieved by the Park and partners in 2011) and oversaw NPS components of a $300 million partnership project to restore and reconnect the San Antonio River to the historic Missions (opened in 2014).

A Hillsdale, Michigan, native, Bentley graduated magna cum laude from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He met his wife Maryne while they were both working for the NPS in Yellowstone National Park. The Bentleys have a passion for giving back to their community through an assortment of volunteer opportunities. The Bentley’s have two children, Joshua who is married to Leah and lives in Texas with the Bentley’s first grandson Hayden and Andrew who lives in Michigan. Spending time doing a variety of outdoor recreational activities with his family and helping others tops Scott’s list of the best ways to spend his free time.

Bentley serves and has served on numerous local, state and national taskforces and Boards of Directors and has received numerous Special Achievement Awards and recognition for his contributions to achieving the mission of the NPS and service to his communities and country including among many the Hidalgo de San Antonio de Bexar, a National Accessibility Award, Federal Employee of the Year Award, and the national Andrew Clark Hecht Memorial Public Safety Achievement Award.

-NPS-

About the National Park Service: 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 407 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help protect the Nations’ special places, preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

-NPS-

Nancy Darga

Nancy Darga is the Managing Director of Piquette Model-T Complex. Dedicated by congress in 1989, Ms. Darga was one of the founding members. She was formerly President of Fortunate Land Planning & Design specializing in heritage tour development. A licensed Landscape Architect, Nancy served as Chief of Design for Wayne County Parks from 1978 -2003 spearheading many large regional park and trail development projects.

During her tenure with the County of Wayne she was one of the founding members of the Friends of the Rouge. For her efforts she was awarded the Friends of the Rouge Award in 1997. In 1999, Nancy was awarded the Michigan Public Servant of the Year Award by the Public Administration Foundation, Inc. for her extensive community outreach programs. For her continued work in historic preservation and heritage trail development she was awarded the Governor Swainson State of Michigan Historic Preservation, by the Michigan Department of Interior, May 2005.

Nancy Finegood

Nancy Finegood was named executive director of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network in 2002. Nancy is a Board Member of Preservation Action and the MotorCities Auto Heritage. She is a member of the Oakland County and Michigan Main Street Advisory Boards. She has been honored as an honorary affiliate of the AIA Michigan.

A Michigan native, Finegood was most recently the executive director of the St. Croix Landmarks Society in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She was also a partner in a Caribbean kayaking tour company.

She graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in secondary education, where she also earned an MBA with an accounting concentration.

David Lorenz

David is Vice Presdient of Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation – the official State of Michigan tourism promotion agency. He oversees Travel Michigan’s public relations activities. He also manages Travel Michigan’s efforts in the areas of international marketing, packaged travel, conventions and meetings, industry relations, golf and sports-event promotion.

Prior to coming to Travel Michigan in October 2002, Mr. Lorenz was the Manager, Partnerships and Promotions, for Meijer, Inc. where he was responsible for the facilitation of collaborative marketing programs with key consumer goods manufacturers.

He also has 14 years’ experience in radio broadcasting in roles varying from announcer and news reporter to numerous management positions.

David Lorenz attended Western Michigan University. He lives in Norton Shores with his wife, Roberta, and son, Tyler.

Margaret Hehr

Lansing Stewardship Community
Margaret has served as the publicity chairman for the symphony guild. She’s Chaired numerous committees to raise funds to support and sustain music in the schools.

Produced and directed numerous fashion shows and commercial events for Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods, Mattel and Kenner Toys, the Miami Fashion Group, R.E. Olds Museum, and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the MSU Alumni association to list a few.
As an instructor Margaret has taught ‘The business of Fashion and Promotion’ at the Jr. College level and as guest instructor at the University of Arkansas.

She has over 20 years experience photographing classic cars and hot rods, and the people that build them.

Fred Hoffman

Frederick W. Hoffman, a former Chrysler executive and state official, currently serves as director of the University of Michigan Dearborn strategic university relations, member of the business development board for R.L. Polk & Co. and as “Of Counsel” to the law firm of Clark Hill PLC. He had served as Chrysler’s director of State Relations, responsible for legislation, regulations and economic development throughout the U.S.

Fred is an experienced attorney, having held various Michigan public positions, including former Governor Jennifer Granholm’s adviser on auto restructuring and economic development, director of the Auto & Steel Division of the state’s Commerce Department under former Governor James Blanchard, and a deputy mayor for Dearborn under former Mayor John O'Relly, father of current mayor. From 1967-77, he worked as a columnist and editor for the Dearborn Guide Newspapers and the Times Herald Publication.

In the community, Fred is a member of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, the Rainbow Connection, the Welcoming Michigan Advisory Board, and the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, among others.

Mark Heppner

Vitae - Mark J. Heppner
Vice President for Historic Resources, Historic Ford Estates

A recent resident of Michigan, Mark is the Vice President for Historic Resources & Visitor Experience at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. Before assuming his current role, he was the Executive Director of Salisbury House & Gardens, an historic estate in Des Moines, Iowa, where he lived for three years.

Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Museum Services Division & Curator at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, an AAM accredited historic house museum and gardens in Akron, Ohio. He received his B.A. at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with a major in History and minors in Political Science and Anthropology. His M.A. degree comes from Cleveland State University where he majored in American History with specific focus in public history and archival research. Mark is a 2004 graduate of the Seminar for Historical Administration program and in 2006 he spent a month in Thailand as a participant of the AAM sponsored International Partnerships Among Museums program focused on cultural exchange and appreciation. He is an active member of Rotary, Kiwanis and has filled several community leadership roles. Since his arrival to Michigan he has joined the board of MotorCities National Heritage Area and has become a member of the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe.

In addition, he is a graduate of Leadership Akron (2008-2009) and the 2009-2010 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Mark is very dedicated to local and state history, assisting museums and historical societies with various administrative, collections management, education, marketing, and other museum/community-related issues. He is married to his wife, Amy, and they have three children.

Don Nicholson

Started Don Nicholson Enterprises LLC in 2007 Organizing Charity Car shows and the Michigan Ave. Cruise. DNE has now grown to two major community cruises, multiple charity car shows with graphic design and in-house publishing / printing services.

Started doing charity car shows while managing photo labs in 1993. Also held multiple positions at Milan Dragway, including marketing, promotions and photography from 1992 to 1998. We still do promotions for Milan Dragway with DNE.

Raced cars a race tracks around the area including Detroit Dragway and Milan Dragway from 1984 to 1999.

Has participated in the Detroit or Winnipeg Autorama every year since 1967.

Stewardship Council and Ambassador of MotorCities N.H.A.
Past Marketing Administrator Model T Complex
Member of multiple Chamber of Commerce.
Past Board Member Dearborn Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Present Board Member Wayne Chamber of Commerce
Present Board member of Friends of Nankin Mills
Present Board Member (Treasurer) Community Living Services (For people with disabilities)
Member Westland Historical Society

Job History past Department head V.P. for 3M Company in Photofinishing 1975 to 1983.
Photo lab owner / manager from 1983 to 2007

Lover of Classic Cars, History and photography since I can remember. Lives with his High School Sweetheart Gayle and son in Westland and has two stepdaughters Claire (Washington D.C.) and Anne ( Seattle Washington)

Stewardship Council

The Stewardship Council is composed of representatives from each of the MotorCities Stewardship Communities.The council convenes regularly to share information and strategies to better tell the story of auto and labor history in their communities across Southeast Michigan. MotorCities Stewardship Communities include Detroit River, Downriver, Flint, Irish Hills, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lower Rouge, Lower Woodward, Macomb, Middle Rouge, Saginaw, Upper Woodward, and Ypsilanti. If you are interested in becoming a stewardship representative, feel free to contact Brian Yopp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (313) 259-3425 ext 307.

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 with her husband, retired Congressman John D. Dingell of Michigan. She holds both a B.S.F.S. in Foreign Services and an M.S. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.

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

Rod Alberts is executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA), an organization that represents more than 221 domestic and import new car and truck dealers in Southeast Michigan. Alberts is also executive director of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

In addition to his duties at the DADA, Alberts is a member of the Executive Committee of the Metro Detroit Visitors and Convention Bureau; serves on the Board of Directors for The Parade Company; serves on the Steering Committee of the Harold E. LeMay Museum; serves on the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference Committee; served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan (2005-2006); and in 2002, served as President of the Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAE), an affiliation of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

Rod Alberts
Executive Director
Detroit Auto Dealers Association
Executive Director
North American International Auto Show

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

Larry Alexander, President and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) and a 30-year veteran of the hospitality and tourism industry, has transformed the Bureau into the leading organization responsible for facilitating tourism economic development in Metro Detroit. He leads an innovative, multi-award winning convention sales, marketing and convention services effort that has often exceeded CVB industry standards for its performance in its 108-year history.

Alexander navigated the efforts to land some of the world’s most coveted sporting events, including Super Bowl XL in 2006 and the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four. He also created and leads the Detroit Metro Sports Commission, a subsidiary of the Bureau responsible for landing the 2003 and 2008 AAU Junior Olympic Games, the 2008 Women’s International Bowling Congress, and contributing to the successful bid for the 2005 MLB All Star Game.

Alexander is a board member of The Parade Company, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Michigan Kidney Foundation New Detroit and Autism Society of America - Oakland County Chapter. He is also a member of the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Larry Alexander
President & CEO
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB)

Senator Steve Bieda, State Senator District 9

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 has 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, Director, Detroit Historical Museum

Bob Bury joined the Detroit Historical Society as executive director and chief executive officer in April 2002. Reporting to the president of the Society’s board of trustees, Bury is responsible for the overall management and operations of the Detroit Historical Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Collections Resource Center on the grounds of Historic Fort Wayne, as well as development, membership, marketing, public relations, special event and volunteer activities. Established in 1921, the Detroit Historical Society's mission is to educate and inspire our community and visitors by preserving and portraying our region's shared history through dynamic exhibits and experiences.

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.

Robert A. Bury
Executive Director & CEO
Detroit Historical Society
5401 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 4802

William R. Chapin, President, Automotive Hall of Fame

Bill Chapin spent 14 years with American Motors Corporation in various field sales, marketing and product planning positions. For two years, he was on special assignment in Paris helping develop a strategic product plan for Renault and AMC in North America, and launching Jeep Cherokee in Europe. He was named AMC's Director of International Marketing in 1984. Chapin was responsible for all Jeep marketing outside the United States, including the launch of Beijing Jeep. It was a position he held until leaving AMC in 1987 to establish Chapin & Co, an automotive marketing services company. Clients included ASC, CART/IndyCar, Ford Special Vehicle Team, ITT Automotive and Volvo Cars.

In addition to his responsibilities at Chapin & Co, Bill Chapin held an equity position in a Dearborn, Michigan motorsports communications firm between 1991 and 1995. The company was responsible for all worldwide Ford motorsports marketing communications from Formula 1 to drag racing. In 1999, Chapin restructured his company in order to devote more time to the launch of the MotorCities National Heritage Area. MotorCities is an affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to preserving, interpreting and promoting the automotive heritage of Michigan. As the grandson of Roy D. Chapin, a founder of the Hudson Motor Car Company, and the son of Roy D. Chapin, Jr., former Chairman and CEO of American Motors, Bill Chapin has been involved in the automotive industry his entire life. Bill is a graduate of Babson College, Wellesley MA, 1972.

Bill Chapin
President
Automotive Hall of Fame
21400 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124

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

Matthew P. Cullen is president and chief operating officer of Rock Ventures LLC, an umbrella entity formed to provide operational coordination, guidance, and integration to Quicken Loans and Dan Gilbert’s portfolio of companies and investments.

Cullen is a 29-year veteran of General Motors (GM) where he was general manager of economic development and enterprise services. Cullen was chief architect of GM’s $500 million acquisition and development of the Renaissance Center as the automaker’s global headquarters. In that role, he also oversaw the billion dollar redevelopment of the city's international riverfront and became the founding chairman of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

In addition, Cullen is the chairman of Invest Detroit; vice chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership; serves on the executive committees for Mosaic Youth Theater and the University of Detroit Mercy; and is a Hudson-Webber Foundation board member. He has previously chaired the Metropolitan Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Parade Company and the Metropolitan Detroit YMCA, and retains current executive committee membership with all three organizations.

Cullen earned a degree in economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy. He also completed the Senior Executive Program at Harvard University.

Matthew P. Cullen
President & COO
Rock Ventures LLC

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

image 20110203160004 William Clay Ford Jr 400

Executive Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr., is leading the company that put the world on wheels into the 21st century.

Mr. Ford joined the Board of Directors in 1988 and has been its chairman since January 1999. He serves as chairman of the board’s Finance Committee and as a member of the Environmental and Public Policy Committee. He also served as chief executive officer of the company from October 2001 to September 2006, when he was named executive chairman.

As CEO, Mr. Ford improved quality, lowered costs and delivered exciting new products to customers. During his time in that position he took the company from a $5.5 billion loss in 2001 to three straight years of profitability. Through the years, his vision for the company has remained unchanged.

Mr. Ford’s charitable, volunteer and business efforts are highlighted by his commitment to the city of Detroit. Mr. Ford is Chairman of the Board of the Detroit Economic Club (DEC) and a co-chair of The National Summit convened by the DEC in June 2009. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Henry Ford, the Board of Directors of eBay Inc. and Business Leaders for Michigan, where he also serves as Vice Chair.

William Clay Ford Jr.
Executive Chairman
Ford Motor Company

Steven K. Hamp, Hamp Advisors

Steven K. Hamp served as Chief of Staff at Ford Motor Co. from December 1, 2005 to October 31, 2006 and also served as it’s Vice President since December 1, 2005. where Mr. Hamp focused on strategic issues, alignment of senior leadership, and integration of strategy in it's operations. Mr. Hamp served as President of The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. He joins Ford after a 27-year career at The Henry Ford, during which he rose to served as the historical institution’s president. Under his leadership, The Henry Ford’s operating structure was fundamentally revised and expanded to include the establishment of the Henry Ford Academy, a public high school; the Rouge Factory Tour, Michigan’s only auto assembly plant tour open to the public; and other new user experiences and services, such as an IMAX theatre. Mr. Hamp served as Director of Visteon Corp. from March 1, 2008 to October 2010. Mr. Hamp serves as Director of Downtown Detroit Partnership. Previously, Mr. Hamp served as a Director of Visteon Corporation from January 2001 to November 2005. Mr. Hamp also led the largest capital campaign in the museum's history. In 1999, The Detroit News recognized Mr. Hamp as a Michiganian of the Year. In 2000, he was honored as the first recipient of the Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award by the Michigan Environmental Council. And in 2002, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Michigan and the Civic Leader Award from the Governor’s Arts Awards. Mr. Hamp has a Bachelors degree from Butler University, and Masters degree from Indiana University and the University of Michigan.

Steven K. Hamp
Company Principle
Hamp Advisors

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

Margery Krevsky is the author of Sirens of Chrome: The Enduring Allure of Auto Show Models. Through archival photos and engaging text, this first-of-its-kind book, published by Momentum Books LLC, highlights the history of models in car shows and automobile advertising. Sirens of Chrome is available through select Barnes & Noble, and Borders bookstores, as well as online at Amazon.com.

Margery Krevsky is also the owner and CEO of Productions Plus Talent Management Agency which has rapidly become one of the major players in selecting, outfitting and training talent for auto shows across America. Her knowledge of the fashion and talent industries, along with behind-the-scenes insights and personal anecdotes, make Sirens of Chrome a must-have for carbuffs, fashionistas and book collectors alike.

For the past year, Margery has voluntarily donated her time and efforts to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. It is because of Margery, that the MotorCities Story of the Week program was able to continue and expanding throughout the region. From historic events to a first person point-of-view, Margery not only captivates the audience but educates them along the way.

Margery Krevsky
President
Productions Plus / The Talent Shop

Faye Nelson, President of DTE Foundation, and Vice President of Puclic Affairs

Appointed President and CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy in September 2003, Nelson is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, construction, operations and programming of the Detroit International Riverfront, including the RiverWalk and adjacent parks, plazas and pavilions. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Nelson was Vice President, Governmental Affairs for Wayne State University, where she led the development of the Wayne State University research and technology park. From 1981 to 1996, Nelson was senior corporate attorney then director, government affairs for Kmart Corporation.

Nelson is committed to working for progress in her hometown of Detroit; she serves on the board of directors for Compuware Corporation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the University of Detroit/Mercy and TechTown. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, Leadership Detroit XIII, Detroit Athletic Club and Economic Club of Detroit. In October 2007, Crain’s Detroit Business named Nelson one of Metro Detroit's Most Influential Women. Nelson has a B.A. in Political Science from Mercy College of Detroit and a J.D. from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Faye Nelson
President & CEO
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy