Collin Mays Named Detroit Walk to End Alzheimer’s Chair
February 18, 2021The Detroit Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for Oct. 30, 2021.
“I’m very excited to serve as the chair of the 2021 Detroit Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” Mays said. “My passion for the work of the Alzheimer’s Association is long-standing as I have seen two grandparents suffer from this horrible disease.
“As chair, I’m hoping to engage a new group of activists to help bring awareness surrounding Alzheimer’s and its terrible effect on our loved ones. We all know someone who has dealt with this disease. Many people do not realize the impact of Alzheimer’s on minority groups. In fact,
older Black/African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites, and Hispanic/Latinos are about one and one-half times as likely. These are alarming statistics. It’s time to help provide more resources to fighting it.”
Mays was recently selected by Delta Township as their new community and economic development coordinator due to his experience and expertise in both economic and workforce development. Previously, he served as economic development director in Center Line, Mich.
He is a 2015 Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40 award winner and was included in the Crain’s Detroit Business 20 in their 20’s Class of 2019.
Mays received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University and master’s degree in public administration from Oakland University. He is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) and the Alzheimer’s Association.
“We are thrilled to have Collin serving in this key role for the Detroit Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Jennifer Lepard, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter. “Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia need us now more than ever. Every dollar raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.”
Longtime media personality Chuck Gaidica — whose mom, Geri Gaidica, and father-in-law, John Ottens, both battled Alzheimer’s and dementia — will once again serve as the Detroit Walk emcee and celebrity advocate.
More information about the format of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be available in the coming months.
“Whether we’re together at a large in-person gathering at the Detroit Zoo or in small groups in our individual neighborhoods, we can make a difference,” said Erin Lin, director of the Detroit Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “The health and safety of our constituents, staff and volunteers will be our top priority as we assess the changing status of the pandemic and make a decision about how we’ll walk in 2021.”
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading
cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members
and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In
Michigan alone, there are more than 190,000 living with the disease and 518,000 caregivers.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit
alz.org/walk or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.