Michael S. Rafferty

Michael Rafferty joined New Detroit in May 2019, succeeding Shirley Stancato, who retired at the end of that year after leading the nonprofit for 18 years.

Previously, Rafferty spent three years at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) where he led the DEGC's small business practice and grew the team to 25 people. The new small business and entrepreneurship economic development programs launched during his tenure supported the opening of more than 50 small businesses in Detroit and created a pipeline for another 150 businesses openings.