Board of Directors & Staff

Donna Dirkse

Director

The Neighbor's Shoppe

Twelve Mile Seat

DESIREE DUTCHER

Board Vice Chair

Preservation and Renovation

Coolidge Seat

KATIE FORTE

Director

June and December

Coolidge Seat

Scott Francis

Director

Berkley School District

At-Large Seat

ANNA GRACE

Director

Resident

At-Large Seat

Chris gross

Board Treasurer

Berkley Common

Twelve Mile Seat

SHAWN HEATH-LEE

Director

Coffee & Bark

Coolidge Seat

ULI LACZKOVICH

Director

Ullman’s Health & Beauty

Coolidge Seat

Matteo
Passalacqua

Board Chair

Resident

At-Large Seat

TODD SCHAEFER

Director

America’s Stamp Stop

Twelve Mile Seat

CrYSTAl VANVLECK

Board Secretary

City Manager

At-Large Seat

Brian Zifkin

Director

Zalman’s Treasures

Twelve Mile Seat

MIKE McGUINNESS

Executive Director (248) 658-3353

DDA Update: Farewell to Executive Director Mike McGuinness

January 8, 2025

The City of Berkley and the Downtown Development Authority extend heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to our outgoing DDA Executive Director, Mike McGuinness. Director McGuinness recently announced his resignation, effective on February 14, and will be missed as he starts a new chapter in his career.

Over his nearly four-year tenure, Director McGuinness could often be found out and about around Berkley, bringing positive energy to our community events and helping to make Downtown Berkley a signature destination for residents, visitors, and business owners. Through his guidance, downtown landscaping installations were substantially increased, the downtown holiday light installations expanded, and public amenities including benches and bicycle racks were added to the streetscape. 

Under his leadership, the DDA recruited and welcomed more than two dozen new businesses to Downtown Berkley and greatly expanded its offerings:

• Created an exciting destination for Halloween lovers with BOO!kley events and programs each October

• Started an annual farmers market, bringing fresh produce and handmade wares to Robina Ave. each summer and fall

• Added a Pride celebration to our events calendar each June

• Expanded Berkley’s public art collection through a successful ongoing mural program

• Supported local businesses by providing helpful resources like façade and parking lot enhancement grants

• Launched the BOSS social district that allows 21+ residents and visitors to explore Downtown Berkley while enjoying a drink from participating restaurants 

As Director McGuinness wraps up his time in Berkley, the DDA will be searching for an Executive Director to fill the vacant position and continue the positive momentum and new initiatives launched under his leadership. Keep an eye out for more information on the City and DDA websites and our social media pages!