Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Detroit Regional Chamber Celebrates The Detroit News 2025 Michiganians of the Year

Detroit Regional Chamber Celebrates The Detroit News 2025 Michiganians of the Year

June 16, 2025

(Front row) Geoffrey Drutchas, Ellen Ann Thompson, Angelique Power, Eli Mayerfeld, Brian R. Smith; (Back row) Gary Miles, Mike Murri, George Blaha, Tiff Massey, Nolan Finley, Leslie Crutchfield; David Guralnick, The Detroit News

On June 12, the Detroit Regional Chamber partnered with The Detroit News to host the publication’s annual Michiganian of the Year awards. The 2025 recipients were:

  • Pistons broadcaster George Blaha
  • Lions head coach Dan Campbell
  • Food pantry founder the Rev. Geoffrey Drutchas
  • Artist Tiff Massey
  • Zekelman Holocaust Center Chief Executive Officer Eli Mayerfeld
  • WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) general manager Mike Murri
  • Michigan Tech biologist Rolf Peterson
  • Skillman Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Angelique Power
  • Tuskegee Airmen historian Brian R. Smith
  • Philanthropist Ellen Thompson

Past honorees have included leaders in the community, business, arts, and athletics sectors, including the Detroit Regional Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy K. Baruah.

Watch the full event below.