Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a new executive to lead Detroit's economic development and workforce.
Olga Stella will serve as chief of five city departments, including economic development, Planning and Development, Housing and Revitalization, Office of Small Business Affairs, and the Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity office. Stella previously served as vice president of strategy and communication at the College for Creative Studies, where she was responsible for shaping strategies, partnerships and overseeing community programs.
The new chief will coordinate with multiple departments and partner agencies to help start and grow businesses and developments in the city to boost Detroit's neighborhoods and provide opportunities for residents.
Partner agencies include the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Land Bank Authority, Detroit Housing Commission and the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation.
Stella was also appointed by former Mayor Dennis Archer in 2000 as an assistant to the mayor for economic development. Stella served 10 years at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation as a project manager in charge of industrial, commercial and residential development, and later became the organization’s chief operating officer.
She also served as chief of staff to former State Rep. Steve Tobocman, leading his community and economic development efforts, primarily in Southwest Detroit.
Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mayor Sheffield announces new economic development, workforce chief
