Frank Ford

Board Member, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Volunteer Delegate

Frank Ford, a native of Southwest Missouri, moved to the Detroit area in 1973. He has been a volunteer with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy since early 2016. Frank holds an AB in Drama from Washington University in St. Louis, an MFA in Playwriting from the University of Connecticut, and a JD from Wayne State University.

A practicing attorney since 1977, Frank has served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dearborn Heights and the City of Troy, as well as a Temporary Assistant City Attorney for the City of Southfield. Since 1985, he has been a sole practitioner, operating his office from his home. His motto as a private attorney has always been, “Individual Attention with a Personal Approach.” He is currently in the process of retiring, no longer accepting new cases, and completing his work with one remaining client.

In addition to his legal career, Frank is an avid gardener, particularly passionate about growing and hybridizing lilies. He serves as the Vice President of the Michigan Regional Lily Society and is a member of the North American Lily Society. Together with his wife, Linda—also a volunteer for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy—he helps care for the Michigan Regional Lily Society's lily garden at the Detroit Zoo.

Frank’s volunteer work extends beyond the Conservancy. He has volunteered for the Parade Company as a Balloon Handler on Parade Day and has worn many of the iconic Big Heads for events across the area.

Frank has contributed to the Conservancy in several roles, including:

  • Ambassador: Frequently seen walking around the parks, greeting visitors and offering information.

  • Greeter at events: Welcoming attendees and providing guidance.

  • Helper at arts and crafts activities: Assisting with hands-on programs.

  • Tour Guide: Leading regular and special tours.

  • Speaker: Delivering informative presentations about the Conservancy, its parks, greenways, and programs.

In his tours and presentations, Frank emphasizes how the Conservancy actively seeks input from the public to determine what the community wants in terms of facilities and programs. He often says, “You can talk all you want about building and concrete, but what are you going to do with it? How will the public use it?” This serves as a segue into discussing the variety of programs the Conservancy provides.

Frank was honored for his volunteer work with the Conservancy by being named a Finalist in the Volunteer Category of the 2024 ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards.

He believes, “You can’t ‘make’ a person happy, but you can provide opportunities for them to find happiness.” Frank hopes to always be both informative and entertaining in his volunteer efforts.