President and CEO
Committed to the revitalization of Detroit, Faye Nelson joined the non-profit Detroit RiverFront Conservancy in 2003 as President & CEO. A lawyer by training, Nelson is putting her management and strategic skills to work as she leads the transformation of Detroit's riverfront.
Tasked with developing waterfront public access that serves as an anchor for economic development, Nelson is overseeing the massive restoration and permanent stewardship of the Detroit riverfront. With a 5 ½ mile vision, the first phase of the project, which is 3 ½ miles of east riverfront, is 80 percent complete. Final construction to finish the east riverfront development is currently underway.
Under Nelson's leadership, the Conservancy represents one of the most successful public-private partnerships that include foundations, corporations, the public sector and the community at large, all of which have come together to support the revitalization and sustainability of the riverfront.
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, now known as "TechTown."
Nelson is committed to working for progress in her hometown. She serves on the Board of Directors for Compuware Corporation, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Henry Ford Health System and Health Network Board and the Parade Company. She is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Wolverine Bar Association, Life Member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, Michigan Women's Forum, Leadership Detroit, Detroit Athletic Club and the Economic Club of Detroit.
Nelson is the recipient of numerous awards including: The Damon J. Keith 24th Annual Soul and Spirit Humanitarian Award, "the Grio's" 100 African American History Makers presented by NBC News, the Milliken Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Environmental Council, and was recognized by Crain's Detroit Business as one of Metro Detroit's Most Influential Women, Corp! Magazine as one of Michigan's Extraordinary Women Leaders, the Michigan Chronicle as a Woman of Excellence, Inforum as one of Southeast Michigan's Most Influential Women Leaders and the Greater Good Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) for Greater Detroit.
Nelson earned a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from Mercy College of Detroit and a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. She has four daughters and is married to Albert Taylor Nelson, Jr., of counsel to Giarmarco, Mullins and Horton, PC.