Staff
Michael Randall, Executive Director
Mike Randall came to GRDC in 2022 from the American Heart Association where he served as Senior Director of Community Impact. He led AHA’s Healthy Home project and their Faith Based Housing Initiative in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners. He has also worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Ypsilanti Housing Commission, and the Washtenaw County Health Department, and served on the Ypsilanti Township Planning Commission and Ypsilanti Library Board. Mike is a graduate of the Urban and Regional Studies program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a soon-to-be-graduate of Wayne State University’s Master of Urban Planning program. As a Grandmont Rosedale resident, Mike turns his passion and expertise towards strengthening his community for his family, neighbors, and the broader city. Mike’s goal is to “expand our work and impact the lives of our neighbors while inviting new families to live and build businesses in our community. Let’s get to work!”
mrandall@grandmontrosedale.com
313.470.0421
Becki Kenderes, Deputy Director
Becki Kenderes is Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation’s (GRDC) Deputy Director. In this role, Becki contributes strategic planning, programmatic oversight and operations support to further the organization’s mission. Becki has 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector and has previously served in several other roles at GRDC. She first joined the organization in 2011 as Building Sustainable Communities Program Manager, successfully leading the organization through the implementation of the Grandmont Rosedale Quality of Life Plan—a strategic plan for improving the Grandmont Rosedale community over a five-year period. Later, Becki served as Program Director overseeing all of GRDC’s economic development and community engagement programs. Becki has also worked in animal welfare, the arts, and a variety of clinical social work settings, serving a diverse range of clients. Becki holds a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan with concentrations in public policy and program evaluation. In her free time, Becki enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs and one cat: Ella, Fitz and Gerald.
313.470.0422
Chelsea Salame, Senior Economic Development Manager
Chelsea Salame is GRDC’s Senior Economic Development Manager and has served our Economic Development programs since 2021. Additionally, Chelsea is a local Detroit activist and community builder who earned her masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Currently in her role, Chelsea facilitates a number of economic programs that serve the Northwestern part of Detroit including but not limited to, the Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market, Small Business Saturday, and commercial activity along Grand River. In conjunction with GRDC programs, Chelsea works directly with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners to meet their needs and create growth within the community. Chelsea aims to continually enhance all three of Grandmont Rosedale’s commercial corridors to reflect the beauty, culture and resilience of the community’s residents
313.470.0426
JeNiece Freeman-Holt, Grand River WorkPlace Manager
JeNiece Freeman-Holt is GRDC’s Grand River WorkPlace Manager. In this role, she manages our small business development incubator Grand River WorkPlace, where she runs the day-to-day operations and programming. JeNiece also supports the organization’s overall economic growth strategy and development. JeNiece has experience in marketing, graphic design and photography. She is also a former Challenge Detroit Fellow and earned a Bachelor of Arts and Humanities with a focus in media and information from Michigan State University. JeNiece continually seeks opportunities to develop community spaces through design thinking and creative storytelling.
313.470.0423
Devin Ferguson, Senior Facilities & Construction Manager
Devin Ferguson is Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation’s Facilities and Construction Manager. With almost 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Devin brings to his role an ever-expanding wealth of knowledge and a genuine appreciation for the myriad challenges inherent in this field. Always curious when it comes to his work, Devin thrives on the opportunity to constantly develop new skills and understanding of tried-and-true practices as well as the continually growing technological advances being made in the construction world. Much like the maintenance and caretaking of existing structures and the development of new ones, Devin relishes the chance to apply those same principles to the relationships with clients and peers alike. A new transplant to Detroit, Devin is looking forward to learning about the places, people and attributes that make Michigan, Detroit and GRDC a truly unique place to call home.
313.470.0424
Bre’Anna Johnston, Community Engagement Manager
Bre’Anna is a native Detroiter living in the Sandhill community on Grand River. and has earned her Associates of Science in Cybersecurity at Oakland Community College. She is a multi-faceted person with a background in journalism, photography, restaurant management and small business social media marketing. With a love for gadgets and technology, she working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity as well. She aspires to share her love for working alongside people, sharing impactful information, and technology through this role. In her free time, you’ll often find Bre’Anna baking or behind the lens of her camera.
313.470.0425
Kiara Canty, Administrative Assistant
Kiara is a Detroit native that resides in the Rosedale Park community and has earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services with a minor in Communication from Western Michigan University. She is well-organized, detail conscious and highly motivated, often lauded for her flexibility and resilience. Kiara works part-time as GRDC’s Administrative Assistant where she supports the entire GRDC team in achieving programmatic goals and improved business operations. Kiara also works as a licensed life insurance agent. In her free time, Kiara takes pleasure in engaging with volunteer opportunities and various recreational activities with her daughter Makayla.
313.470.0428
Erica Duckett, Economic Development Support Specialist
Meet Erica, GRDC’s Economic Development Support Specialist. Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Ferris State University and a wealth of experience in small communities, Erica is committed to making a positive impact in Grandmont Rosedale. Her mission is to assess the needs of local entrepreneurs and enhance the overall business environment. You may see Erica on the commercial corridors canvassing businesses, helping at the Farmers’ Market, or building relationships with partners in the area. Beyond her professional role, Erica is a self-proclaimed Sci-fi expert with a passion for crafts. She calls North Rosedale Park home, where she resides with her husband, three children, and their dog, Bruno.
educkett@grandmontrosedale.com
313.490.3020
Alease Johnson, Housing Manager
Alease Johnson is Grandmont Rosedale Corporation’s Housing Manager. In this role, she will work with Grandmont Rosedale residents to improve their quality of life, as well as assisting in the preservation of the homes and real estate in the community. Alease is a native Detroiter and resident of the North Rosedale community with a passion for all things Detroit.
Alease has over 20 years’ experience with The Parade Company, working in nonprofit administration and event production for events such as the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Fireworks display on the Detroit River making memories for millions. She has twelve years of facility management, as the Director of Operations for the Detroit Historical Society, managing the day-to-day operations for the Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum and most recently working with Friends of the Children Detroit as their Operations Manager.
All of her work has been for the betterment of her community creating great experiences and appreciation for our city. She is a lifetime member of Leadership Detroit and served as a Commissioner for the Detroit Historic District Commission for six years. She enjoys golf, reading and hanging out in the city attending festivals and events.
alease@grandmontrosedale.com
313.470.0427