Stacy Fox

Board Chair

Stacy Fox is co-founder and principal of the Roxbury Group, a Detroit-based real estate and investment company specializing in complex mixed-use and historic development projects. Since 2005, Stacy has been extremely active in the efforts to revitalize downtown Detroit. In addition to Roxbury’s development activities in the City, she was appointed to serve as Deputy Emergency Manager of the City of Detroit, where she played an instrumental role in guiding the City through the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history.

She also served as a member of the executive committee of Downtown Detroit Partnership for a decade and as the founding chair of its Stakeholders Committee. She is the founder and Chair of the Grand Circus Park Conservancy, a 501c3 organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of Grand Circus Park, Detroit’s most historic public space. Stacy has over 30 years experience as a corporate executive and advisor to Fortune100 CEO’s and boards of directors. She has served as General Counsel in four Fortune 100 companies and during this corporate tenure has led a number of corporate functions including real estate, communications, HR, strategy, M&A, and corporate compliance.

Stacy was born in Ann Arbor and lived in the city for many years. She graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and also received her Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree from UM. After receiving her undergrad degree, Stacy served as Assistant Director of the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and was instrumental in establishing its founding millage and acquisition of its early parklands.

Marie Klopf

President

Marie Klopf is a professional business leader with deep knowledge and experience leading for-and non-profit businesses. A graduate engineer from Michigan State University with a Master’s in Administration, Marie has 20+ years of professional business experience in engineering, sales, finance, business development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. A resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Marie has been actively involved in the community, serving as a board treasurer for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and is a past board member for Destination Ann Arbor.

Most recently, Marie served as President/CEO of the Ann Arbor Art Center (2012-2022). In 2012, Marie assumed the leadership of this iconic downtown Ann Arbor institution and sustainably built on its legacy as a vibrant community partner that positively impacts the lives of artists, students, staff, and art enthusiasts alike.

Notable accomplishments during her tenure include successfully navigating a global pandemic (financial stability and full staff retention), streamlined operations, integrated software solutions, and increased organizational capacity achieved through a successful capital expansion campaign. Her parting legacy consists of debt-free ownership of two fully renovated historic buildings in downtown Ann Arbor and a dedicated, experienced, and talented staff of arts professionals.

Marie is curious, creative, and adventurous. She enjoys public speaking, travel, and outdoor sporting activities during her free time.

Susan Pollay

Treasurer

Recently retired, Susan was the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority Executive Director for 25 years, serving an appointed board and leading a small talented staff. Under Susan’s direction, the DDA worked to promote growth and catalyze the redevelopment of the downtown area.

This work included a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at supporting downtown’s vibrancy, unique identity and assets. Accomplishments included implementing a multi-million plan to replace or repair deteriorated parking garages, co-founding the getDowntown program in partnership with AAATA and the City to encourage sustainable commuting, including the DDA-funded go!Pass, and installing extensive bicycle facilities including protected bike lanes and parking.

Other accomplishments included gaining City approval for the DDA’s 2003 amended Development Plan, redesigning downtown streets to make them more pedestrian friendly, making extensive infrastructure investments to encourage development, taking responsibility for operating the public parking system, and spearheading an affordable housing grant program aimed at strengthening downtown’s economic diversity, plus numerous small business and sustainability initiatives.

Prior to her time at the DDA, Susan served as Executive Director for the State Street Area Association, and Director for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. In addition to serving on the LTRC board, Susan is also a board member for the AAATA and A2/Y Chamber of Commerce, in addition to serving as a member of the UM Natural History Museum Advisory Committee and A3CF Investment Committee.

Mark Wallace

Board Member

Mark Wallace brings deep expertise in real estate development and nonprofit leadership to the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy Board.

During his successful career with Hines Interests LP, Mark led more than $100 million in leasing transactions and managed two major development projects valued at over $350 million each. He later served for a decade as President and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the nonprofit organization established in 2003 to transform Detroit’s international waterfront through public-private partnerships.

Under his leadership, the Detroit Riverfront expanded dramatically, becoming a nationally recognized destination that welcomes more than 3 million visitors annually. The Riverwalk earned distinction as “Best Riverwalk in the USA” for three consecutive years, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

In 2014, Mark founded Wallace Detroit Guitars, a company that crafts guitars from reclaimed wood sourced from historic Detroit buildings, blending preservation, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

Mark was selected by the Detroit Regional Chamber as one of 10 regional leaders to attend the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School. He was named a “40 Under 40” honoree by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2010 and was recognized as Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News in 2017.

Mark earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his master’s degree from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He grew up in Hillsdale and Chelsea and currently resides in Detroit’s Indian Village neighborhood.

Alex Milshteyn

President and CEO

A distinguished leader in the Ann Arbor community, Alex Milshteyn serves as the President of the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy. Alex brings extensive professional expertise in strategic operations and real estate to the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. His unique perspective as an Ann Arbor townie informs his leadership, blending institutional knowledge with a personal commitment to the city’s future.

Alex’s dedication to public service is reflected in his extensive involvement with local government and community institutions. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s development through his tenure on the City of Ann Arbor Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Sign Board of Appeals. His commitment to the region’s educational and cultural vitality is further evidenced by his board leadership with the WCC College Foundation and the Ann Arbor Art Center.

In his role as President and CEO, Alex is honored to lead the organization into its next chapter. For Alex, the continued development of Broadway Park West is the realization of a childhood vision inspired by years of crossing the Broadway Bridge and imagining the potential of the riverfront. He is dedicated to ensuring the park remains a world class community destination that enhances the quality of life for all residents. Alex lives in Downtown Ann Arbor with his husband, Ken Powell, and is an active enthusiast of international travel and fitness.

Jim Kosteva

Board Member

A Detroit area native, Jim Kosteva worked in local and state government for twenty years prior to joining the Government Relations office at the University of Michigan in 1994. Jim received a bachelors degree in Metropolitan Studies while running track and cross country at North Central College. He pursued his interests in urban planning and was named the Director of Community Planning for Canton Township in 1978.

Following a passion for politics and public service, Jim was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1984 serving a number of communities in western Wayne County. During his four terms in office, Jim concentrated on school finance reform, solid waste management, transportation and land use. During his first term, Jim sponsored Governor Blanchard’s legislation that created the Michigan Education Trust, one of the first pre-paid college tuition plans in the country.

In his capacity as Director of Community Relations at the University of Michigan, Jim engaged with the City of Ann Arbor as a primary point of contact on areas of mutual concern like utilities, parking, transportation, off campus neighborhoods, facility construction, economic development, tourism, public service and safety.

Jim has served on numerous local boards including the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, Washtenaw United Way, the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.

Jim has recently been volunteering with Voters Not Politicians, the group that put forward the constitutional amendment that created the Independent Redistricting Commission in Michigan. He also continues to serve on the Outreach Committee of the Canton Community Foundation.

Broadway Park West

Ann Arbor is consistently nationally recognized as one of the greatest places to live, play and work in the United States. A key basis for this reputation is the City’s substantial system of parks and public spaces, which offer significant access to recreational activities and natural beauty. The mission of the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy is to build on this system with Ann Arbor’s first privately developed and managed public space. This transformational project is located in the City’s Lower Town district, across from the Argo Livery, and at the foot of the Broadway Bridge. When completed, Broadway Park West will provide Ann Arbor with a world-class public space, unlike any other, accessible from every direction, where residents and visitors alike can come together in the heart of the city.

Who We Are

The Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy, a 501(c)3 entity, was formed for the establishment, improvement, operation, maintenance, conservation, and preservation of publicly accessible green space, trails and pathways, and park amenities along 1200 feet of the Huron River. A central component of the Conservancy’s mission is the restoration and perpetual maintenance of the natural habitat along this portion of the River.

Leadership Team

Click each image for short bio

Stacy Fox

Board Chair

Marie Klopf

President

Susan Pollay

treasurer

Mark Wallace

BOARD MEMBER

Tony Tomczak

BOARD MEMBER

Jim Kosteva

board member