Mary Sheffield, who became Detroit’s 76th mayor at the start of 2026, has formed a transition team called Rise Higher Detroit with more than 200 experts and professionals. The group includes a dozen members from Eastern Michigan University (EMU), several of whom are leading key committees.
The transition team is divided into 18 committees focused on policy areas such as housing, public safety, education, and the arts. Each committee is responsible for shaping early policy recommendations for the new administration.
Nate Ford, EMU Regent and Board Chair, serves as co-chair of the Infrastructure, Sustainability and Climate Change Committee. This committee addresses Detroit’s infrastructure needs, sustainability strategies, and climate adaptation policies. Ford is a Detroit native with over twenty years of experience in infrastructure and environmental work.
James Stapleton, an emeritus regent at EMU with a background in business and consulting, is contributing to the Internal Administration and Operations Committee.
Several EMU alumni have been named as co-chairs for various committees:
– Kenyetta M. Campbell leads the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee.
– Damon Pitt heads the Education and Youth Affairs Committee.
– Cinnamon A. Plonka oversees the Law and Civil Rights Committee.
– Courtney E. Smith co-chairs the Health, Human Services, Homelessness and Poverty Solutions committee.
– Gary Torgow leads the Workforce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee.
Other EMU alumni are serving as committee members:
– Kenneth E. Dobson is part of Workforce, Economic Development & Small Business.
– Byna Elliott contributes to Housing Development and Planning.
– Kelley Kuhn serves on Philanthropic Services.
– David T. Palmer also works on Housing Development and Planning.
– LaTasha Washington joins Tourism, Branding & Special Events.
Each committee is tasked with making decisions that reflect community needs while producing actionable plans for adoption by Mayor Sheffield’s administration.
“We are proud that the Eastern community is deeply involved in driving Detroit’s mission forward,” said an EMU spokesperson.
Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as a teacher preparation institution but has since grown into a comprehensive public university offering more than 200 undergraduate majors and minors as well as graduate programs across several academic disciplines. The university has received national recognition for its programs in fields like education and health sciences. Its campus features both historic architecture and modern facilities designed to support student success according to its official website. EMU emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and personalized support as detailed on its website.
The university aims to prepare students for significant societal contributions through critical thinking skills developed during their studies according to its official site. James Smith has served as president of Eastern Michigan University according to its official website.
More information about Eastern Michigan University can be found on its official website.
