Our Team

Our team has a combined 100 years of real estate, finance, non-profit, operations, and partnership experience. Beyond our resumes, there’s more to know.

sonya s mays

  • President & CEO
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    Ms. Mays helped lead Detroit out of bankruptcy and now has her sights set on propelling her hometown forward. Her mission: real estate development that addresses urgent community needs.  

craig willian

  • Chief Investment Officer
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    Mr. Willian brings extensive qualifications in multi-site development projects and managing investments into income-producing assets.

mark meier

  • Chief Financial Officer
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    Mr. Meier has over 20 years of experience in real estate accounting and finance, including conventional and LIHTC transactions. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

michael appel

  • Senior Project Manager
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    Mr. Appel has worked in affordable housing development for over 30 years. He is one of the founders of Avalon Housing, a pioneer in permanent supportive housing in Ann Arbor, MI. Previously, he served as Executive Director and Senior Developer at Avalon Housing.

Lindsey Roland

  • Project Manager
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    Ms. Roland joined the DDI team as a native Detroiter with a focus on single-family development. She has a strong background in real estate sales, property management, and property development. She’s been in real estate so long she jokes that she was “born on a deed.”

  • Construction Manager
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    Mr. Pipitone has over 35 years of experience in residential and commercial construction industries. He has a diverse background in construction management, project management, operations, and field supervision.

Oren Brandvain

  • Director, Community Investment
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    Mr. Brandvain, a Metro Detroit native, has years of multi-family and mixed-use development experience, and is the lead project manager for the Detroit Food Commons project. Prior to joining the DDI team, he served as an Assistant City Planner for the City of Birmingham, MI.

  • Office Manager
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    Ms. Mitchell collaborates with all DDI team members to coordinate internal operations, providing core support to development, finance and IT functions.

Lauren King

  • Development Services Manager
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    A proud graduate of Howard University with electrical engineering and MBA degrees, Ms. King brings experience in commercial real estate construction management and development. She was featured in Crains 2021 40 under 40 as an up-and-coming mover and shaker in Detroit.

  • Grants Manager
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    Ms. Schorr has over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, including serving as a program officer with three foundations and as a founding manager of two nonprofit start ups.

  • Senior Project Manager

  • Staff Accountant
    Ms. Colston has over 30 years of accounting experience in various industries including automotive, healthcare, and hospitality. She is a native Detroiter and enjoys being part of a team that is working to improve the city.