Influential Women: Faye Nelson

Influential Women: Faye Nelson, President and CEO of Detroit RiverFront Conservancy

Committed to the revitalization of Detroit, Faye Nelson joined the newly formed Detroit RiverFront Conservancy in 2003 as President & CEO. A native Detroiter, Nelson is putting her management and strategic skills to work as she leads the transformation of Detroit's Riverfront.

Tasked with public access development of the Detroit Riverfront, Nelson is overseeing the massive restoration and permanent stewardship of the Riverfront, with over three miles of the project completed to date, towards an ultimate goal of 5 ½ miles of public space along the Detroit River which includes a RiverWalk, plazas, pavilions and green space. Nelson is committed to working for progress in her hometown. She serves on the Board of Directors for Compuware Corporation, the University of Detroit/Mercy, TechTown and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Wolverine Bar Association, Life Member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, Michigan Women’s Forum, Leadership Detroit, Detroit Athletic Club and Economic Club of Detroit.

Prior to joining the Conservancy, Nelson was Vice President, Governmental Affairs for Wayne State University, where she led the development of the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park, now known as "TechTown".

Nelson is the recipient of numerous awards including the Milliken Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Environmental Council, Crain’s Detroit Business as one of Metro Detroit’s Most Influential Women, Corp! Magazine as one of Michigan's Extraordinary Women Leaders