Cornerstone Development Authority Names New Executive Director
The Cornerstone Development Authority (CDA) has appointed Al Aceves as the downtown development authority’s new executive director. Aceves was President of Seville Partners LLC, and a member of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing’s crisis management team before coming to the CDA.
“I’m proud of my past accomplishments and I look forward to working with the stakeholders in the Cornerstone District to implement the new strategic development plan,” said Aceves.
Aceves is a graduate of the University of Michigan. He brings more than 30 years of experience in urban management and business and economic development to the CDA from past employment with Deloitte & Touche, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and as an executive-on-loan to the Wayne County Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Aceves will be responsible for spearheading and implementing future projects for the CDA including enhanced streetscapes, a mixed-use development along Eight Mile Road and a review of plans for the old Stouffer’s site at Northland Shopping Center.
“We’re lucky to have him,” said CDA Board Chairman James Ralph, Jr. “We were looking for someone with excellent credentials who could dive right in, and Al certainly fits the profile.”
Mayor Lawrence appoints new member to DDA Board
Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence has appointed Orletta E. Caldwell to the board of directors of the Cornerstone Development Authority (CDA). Caldwell is a resident of the Cornerstone District and her career background includes work in public affairs, planning and development, and retail sales. She is currently the assistant to the CEO of a mid-sized management company located in Birmingham, Michigan. She also runs Beyond Existing Enterprises, LLC, a nonprofit consulting business in Detroit.
Caldwell earned her bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University. She also holds a masters degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Edina, Minnesota and is a Ph.D. candidate in Policy and Administration at Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Walden University. Her term of service with the CDA will run through February 11, 2011.