Embassy CDC, 195 Ladd Road, Walled Lake, MI (2026)

08/04/2026

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, Deena Neely, an award-winning entrepreneur, licensed electrical contractor, and construction industry leader.

Deena Neely is the founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage, a certified Woman Business Enterprise providing residential and commercial electrical services throughout the Detroit region.

With more than a decade of experience in the construction industry, Deena has earned a reputation for quality, safety, reliability, and outstanding service. Under her leadership, Detroit Voltage has become one of Michigan’s fastest-growing woman-owned electrical contracting companies.

Born and raised in Detroit, Deena developed an extensive understanding of the city and its building systems while working for more than a decade within Detroit’s Buildings and Safety Engineering Department. In that role, she worked closely with city officials and inspectors, gaining the industry knowledge that would later support her transition into entrepreneurship.

Deena’s journey reflects the power of technical expertise, preparation, and bold leadership. She remains committed to creating opportunities, delivering excellent service, and helping build stronger communities through entrepreneurship and skilled trades.

08/04/2026

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, Richelle C. Lester, Esq., an attorney, entrepreneur, advocate, and champion for family and community legacy.

Richelle Lester is the founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Richelle C. Lester, PLLC, and the broker and owner of Legacy In Deed Realty, LLC. With more than 28 years of legal experience, she has built a career centered on advocacy, education, and helping individuals and families protect their futures.

A native Detroiter, Richelle earned degrees in political science and entrepreneurial management from Western Michigan University before receiving her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.

She began her legal career as an Assistant Prosecutor with Wayne County and later joined UAW Legal Services, where she advanced to Managing Attorney and supervised multiple offices handling civil litigation matters.

Today, Richelle’s legal practice focuses on family law, probate and estate administration, estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, and real estate law. She has prepared thousands of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents to help families preserve their assets and establish lasting legacies.

Richelle also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for the Wayne County and Oakland County Probate Courts. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to justice, education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.

08/04/2026

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, Dr. Maurice Marshall, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician committed to exceptional patient care.

Dr. Maurice Marshall is a dedicated physician with extensive experience in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Throughout his career, he has combined strong clinical knowledge with advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques to provide effective, patient-centered care.

His professional expertise includes patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, prescription management, and the use of advanced medical therapies. He is also experienced with leading medical charting systems, including Epic and Cerner.

Dr. Marshall earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Through his service on the ECDC board, Dr. Marshall brings valuable healthcare knowledge, analytical leadership, and a deep commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

08/04/2026

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, Raquelle “Rocki” Harris, a communications strategist, publicist, journalist, and public-service professional.

Rocki Harris is an accomplished communications and media professional with more than 23 years of service within the State of Michigan and over a decade of experience in journalism, public relations, and digital media.

As the lead publicist and communications strategist for Write Down To It, Rocki helps organizations and leaders translate complex and sensitive information into clear, compelling messages that connect with diverse audiences.

Her expertise includes strategic communications, media relations, public information, social media campaigns, earned media, stakeholder engagement, and multimedia content production. She also brings extensive knowledge of child welfare systems, equity-centered communications, cultural competency, community engagement, and trauma-informed practices.

Rocki is the host and producer of the Rocki’s Reality Podcast, where she brings her insight into civil rights, social justice, culture, politics, and current events to public conversations.

Known for navigating timely issues with clarity and care, Rocki is committed to using communications to strengthen trust, transparency, engagement, and community understanding.

08/04/2026

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, Clark D. Sanford, an automotive executive, marketing strategist, and community leader.

Clark Sanford brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the automotive, higher education, consulting, and community sectors. He currently serves as Field Operations Manager within Stellantis’ Virtual Business Center, where he supports more than 470 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and FIAT dealerships nationwide.

Before joining Stellantis, Clark spent 15 years with General Motors in a variety of human resources and marketing roles. Earlier in his career, he worked at Carnegie Mellon University, supporting the recruitment and retention of undergraduate minority students.

Clark is also the founder and former president of The Sanford Consulting Group, LLC, a strategic marketing firm specializing in experiential marketing, sponsorships, promotions, and media-based product integration.

His commitment to leadership extends into the community. Clark previously served as president of the Churchill Estates Homeowners Association and currently serves as school board president for Learn 4 Life High School–Pontiac.

A resident of Farmington Hills, Clark enjoys reading, golfing, watching classic movies, completing home improvement and gardening projects, and spending time with his wife, Karen.

06/12/2026

We are highly honored to announce our acquisition of HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center, located in Pontiac, MI.

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. King not just for what he said, but for what he built. Justice required systems. Equity required structure. Progress required courage and planning.

At ECDC, we carry that legacy forward—strengthening communities through economic development, access, and opportunity.

01/15/2026

We are excited to share that our Executive Director, Katonya Jones, has been honored as a CareerMastered magazine Spotlight Leader. This recognition reflects her heart for community, her commitment to serving families with dignity, and her leadership in expanding affordable housing, mental health support, and financial wellness programs through ECDC.

Katonya leads with faith, compassion, and strength. She believes every person deserves stability, opportunity, and the chance to rebuild with hope. Her work continues to shape the lives of families across Detroit.

Katonya would like to personally thank Career Masters for recognizing leaders who serve with purpose and excellence. This honor is deeply appreciated.

Join us in celebrating this moment and the work ahead as we continue building stronger communities together.

12/18/2025

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, David Cole, a licensed land surveyor with over four decades of experience in engineering

David Cole grew up on a farm, then ventured to the far north to Michigan Tech and obtained a Forestry degree. During this time, he discovered Land Surveying that focused on Math, History, and Law.

He became a licensed land surveyor with a 41-year career, eventually serving as a Vice President of an Engineering, Land Surveying, and Geotechnical firm in southeast Michigan.

As a vice president, he managed the surveying division of 35 employees, developed the corporation’s safety standards, processes and procedures for quality control, and was the treasurer of the corporation.

In addition, David was an adjunct teacher at Macomb Community College for six years, teaching boundary law, introductory field procedures, spatial geometry, topographic surveying, and advanced instrumentation. David was a professional consultant for several law firms, the state of Michigan, and private development corporations.

David has also served as a treasurer for Embassy Covenant Church, is currently a pastor with a focus on the Marketplace ministry, and a member of the Executive and Director Boards.

David’s list of blessings includes his wife - Mary Lou, three sons – Nathan, Brian and Matthew, their wives respectively – Lydia, Lexi, and Selva, and grandchildren – Asher (Nathan & Lydia), and Aza and Elisha (Brian & Lexi).

12/17/2025

👋 Meet our ECDC board member, LaTrell Bell, a nonprofit leader and fundraising professional

LaTrell Bell is a nonprofit leader, consultant, and fundraising professional with a passion for building relationships that create lasting community impact. He currently serves as a Major Gifts Officer at Michigan Humane, where he advances donor engagement and strategic fundraising initiatives that support animal welfare.

Previously, LaTrell helped lead fundraising efforts at the Michigan Science Center and served as Director of Development and Marketing at the Hannan Center.

Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, LaTrell held leadership roles in the corporate automotive industry, strengthening his expertise in relationship management, strategic planning, and organizational growth.

A former Fisher Fellow, he serves as a committee chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Detroit Chapter and is a founding member and advisor of the Community Animal Care Coalition, a national animal welfare network.

LaTrell is also an ordained minister who has served in various pastoral leadership roles. As a consultant, he partners with emerging nonprofits, small businesses, and churches to develop strategies for planning, sustainability, and growth. He finds fulfillment in mentoring emerging leaders, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. Centered in his faith and purpose, LaTrell remains committed to empowering others and building communities that thrive.

Embassy CDC

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