Transitions and Reflections
May 19, 2026
From a Transformational Journey
New Senior Director Dorian Grey Takes Leadership Detroit Helm
Last fall, the Chamber announced Dorian Grey as its new Senior Director of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, overseeing the Chamber’s renowned Leadership Detroit program, the Detroit Policy Conference, and other Chamber initiatives related to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Detroit Region.
Grey is a proven advocate of economic development, leadership cultivation, and business innovation. In addition to his time as a small business entrepreneur, he has a decade of experience in corporate governance, program development, and stakeholder engagement.
Grey serves as Board Chair of the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, as a Young Leader Board Member of the Detroit Economic Club, and as Chair of its Career Readiness Academy Committee, focusing on workforce and career development for the Detroit Region’s youth.
Throughout the year, Grey brought a fresh perspective, with extensive corporate and civic experience, to Leadership Detroit to remain relevant and continue innovating in providing unique experiences for business professionals from across the Detroit Region.
Class 46 Shares What Leadership Detroit Means to Them
Leadership Detroit is the Detroit Regional Chamber’s nine-month transformational leadership program designed to challenge emerging and existing leaders from Southeast Michigan to bring about positive change in their communities. Launched in 1979, it raises awareness of key issues affecting the Detroit Region and develops the next generation of changemakers.
“Participating in Leadership Detroit was genuinely a transformative experience in so many ways. It challenged me to step significantly outside my comfort zone, reflect deeply on my own perspectives, and engage with people in a way that required genuine vulnerability and humility. I’ve met so many people who may not have crossed my path without the Leadership Detroit cohort 46, and meaningful, raw conversations from every session I will carry with me long after our sessions are complete.”
– Jeanne Whalen Barber, Member, Dykema Gossett PLLC
“While equity and access are already central to the work I do every day, Leadership Detroit revealed deeper layers of the challenges that still exist for communities that have been historically excluded. It made the work feel even more personal and even more urgent.”
– Wendy Holmes, Vice President, Inclusion Engagement and Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Comerica Bank
“Leadership Detroit Class 46 strengthened my network across the Region and deepened my understanding of Detroit and the communities that surround it. The experience reinforced how business decisions we make extend well beyond the workplace— shaping economic opportunity, neighborhood vitality, and the lives of people throughout our Detroit Region.”
– Jill Wilmot, Director, Corporate Communications, DTE Energy
“Leadership Detroit 46 with an experience that was so amazing! It really served as a core reminder that my responsibilities as a leader extend far beyond the walls of our organization and our community alone. I feel reconnected in so many aspects to the larger region around me and all the ways that my leadership experience and passion for making Michigan a place to learn, discover, and live can be leveraged in more meaningful ways.”
– Charlotte Bewersdorff, Vice President, Community Engagement, Merit Network
“Leadership Detroit was a truly transformative experience for me. The connections, friends and sessions will be something I will always remember and reflection on. And the connections and friendships I’ve had the opportunity to nurture will be enduring. Leadership Detroit makes me hopeful for Detroit’s future.”
– Marques King, Senior Architect, Pure Architects
This experience has given me the opportunity to connect with other Detroit leaders in ways that have been immediately impactful for my organization and for the communities we serve. The connections this experience has fostered are some of the most valuable I feel I now have as a leader. Not only have I deepened my understanding of myself, but I’ve deepened my connection to this City and have so much awe for how much Detroiters can and have accomplished.”
– Melanie Depcinski, Managing Director, Engagement, Michigan Science Center
“Participating in Leadership Detroit was a powerful opportunity to learn alongside an exceptional group of leaders committed to the future of our region. The experience deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping Southeast Michigan and reinforced the importance of strong relationships, shared purpose, and cross sector collaboration in driving meaningful, lasting community impact.”
– Jennifer Jambor, Director, Government and Community Affairs, Comcast
“For me, Leadership Detroit has reinforced that leadership is not passive, and it is not neutral. It requires continuous reflection, disciplined thinking, and a willingness to act with purpose. This experience has not just expanded my perspective — it has challenged me to lead differently.”
– Kwame Simmons Sr., Founder and Chief Strategist, The Simmons Advantage
“Leadership Detroit has been one of the most impactful experiences of my career. It’s pushed me to think bigger, lead with more intention, and truly understand the challenges and opportunities across our Region. The relationships have been everything. My Leadership 46 family is something special, and these days together are my happy place.”
– Irma Hayes, Deputy Director, Economic and Community Development, City of Harper Woods
“Such an impressive group of people. I looked forward to every chance that I had to engage the energy, knowledge, and capability of my classmates. These are connections that I will maintain for years. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of LD46.”
– Greg Shea, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Marketing and Communications
“In today’s society, this type of deep engagement and partnership doesn’t happen enough. I appreciate Leadership Detroit for setting a stage for new partners in improving our regional and state economy and communities together.”
– Spencer Lucker, Special Advisor to the Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
“I appreciated the deep collective wisdom in the room each and every session. I will be a better Dean, a better leader, and a better Detroiter because of what I have learned, who I have connected with, and how I have been inspired.”
– Denise Taliaferro Baszile, Dean, College of Education, Wayne State University
“Participating in LD46 has been an amazing experience. I have met so many people that I would otherwise have never run into, and have heard so many different perspectives and experiences. This program helps you understand the different perspectives that make up Detroit. This helped me to identify ways I can influence and support the various organizations, individuals, and ideals that make this city great.”
– Jenny Wallace, Audit Partner, KPMG LLP
Leadership Detroit was both the journey and destination that I hoped for. I experienced opportunities to connect with and learn from regional leaders that I might not have crossed paths with and gain a new network of like-minded thought leaders making a difference in the community. Forever thankful for the experience.”
– Rosalyn Slade, Senior Marketing Specialist, Priority Health
“Leadership Detroit connected me with people I may never have crossed paths with, broadened my understanding of our city, and helped me define where I can grow and lead. It also gave me insight into the challenges across different sectors and how they all work together. I believe this program is for those ready to make a difference and keep our city thriving.”
– Teia Wallington, Chief Executive Officer, Love Publicity
“As a native Philadelphian, Leadership Detroit equipped me with a comprehensive grasp of the city’s community landscape, its economic drivers, and the forces influencing its growth.”
– Dan Harrah, Director, Sales, WM
“It is an honor and privilege to get to know energetic,
dedicated professionals across multiple sectors who are committed to serving and leading Detroit. I learn
so much from them, and will continue to lean on this
community of inspiring, supportive colleagues!”
– Emily Williams Guffey, Rector, Christ Church Detroit
“Leadership Detroit has allowed me to build strong relationships, form new friendships, and broaden my understanding of the region. Engaging with diverse communities and perspectives has strengthened my leadership and reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.”
– Crystal Perkins, Director, General Service Dept., City of Detroit
“Leadership Detroit challenged me to see Detroit through a broader lens, deepened my understanding of the issues shaping our region, and connected me with an extraordinary group of leaders who care deeply about making a difference. More than anything, the experience reminded me that leadership is not just about influence; it is about listening, learning, and showing up with purpose for the communities we serve.”
– Aaron Hall, Vice President, Detroit Market, CHN Housing Partners
Leadership Class 47 Applications Open
Challenge yourself to grow as a leader and contribute to the Region’s prosperity by applying for the Chamber’s next Leadership Detroit cohort. Apply today before applications close in early June 2026.