Leadership
Preservation Wayne is guided by a board of directors, a volunteer executive director, and a committed corps of active volunteers. Preservation Wayne is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melanie A. Markowicz
President | Board of Directors
Melanie joined the Board of Directors in September 2011, providing a specialized skill set which includes historic preservation, cultural and architectural history, and urban planning. A published author, she holds a M.F.A. in Historic Preservation from SCAD and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Michigan State University. Melanie has expertise in preservation revitalization, advocacy and public policy, which is the focus of her efforts at Preservation Detroit. She is particularly interested in contextual approaches to planned shrinkage, sustainable development, increasing public engagement and fostering healthy urbanism by uniting social and economic program agendas. She also loves cupcakes.
James M. Young
Executive Vice President | Board of Directors
Recently joining the Board of Directors in October 2011, Jim brings to Preservation Detroit historic restoration and rehabilitation experience, coupled with education expertise and a great enthusiasm for community awareness. A long-time Detroit resident, Jim has had a hand in the restoration of five historic apartment buildings and is currently working on a house built in 1868. He is also a professor of English at Macomb Community College and director of the Cass Park Area Neighborhood Association.
Steven Levine
Treasurer | Board of Directors
Steven joined the Board of Directors in October 2010 and currently serves as Treasurer. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and also attended Wayne State’s M.B.A. program, majoring in Accounting. With his own accounting practice, Steven brings to Preservation Detroit over 30 years of public accounting experience. Born in Detroit, he has a long family history rooted in Eastern Market. His grandfather started a wholesale produce business there in the 1930s, and Steven has shared his family experiences during Preservation Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market tours, offering a unique perspective on commerce and Jewish life in Detroit.
Jennifer Baross
Secretary | Board of Directors
The most recent addition to the Board of Directors, Jennifer is involved with Preservation Detroit historic tours and educational programs. An expert on Corrado Parducci, she conducts historical research, artifact documentation, and has lectured extensively on architectural sculpture. In addition to tour development and implementation, Jennifer is also interested in creative approaches to holistic design; more specifically, contextual design which directly affects its occupants, connects the local community, and is socially sustainable. She is currently working on writing a book on Detroit history and architecture, and also loves photography, knitting, textiles, and espresso.
Robert Hovansian
Director | Board of Directors
Bob has served on the Board of Directors since July of 2011, and has been involved with historic preservation in Detroit in multiple capacities. A Senior CAD Designer for over 30 years, he has also restored and rehabilitated many historic structures in and around Detroit through his historic restoration carpentry business which he owned and operated for 12 years. A model of volunteerism, Bob believes in giving back to his community and those who live in it. His efforts include serving as the lead preservation carpenter at Historic Fort Wayne, preservation assistant, restoration specialist, and docent at the Detroit Historical Society’s Collections Resource Center, and mentoring at Focus Hope and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, to name just a few. Bob is also a member of the Cherokee Nation.
STAFF
Marion Christiansen
Interim Executive Director
Marion joined Preservation Detroit in 2006, and brings with her a passion for education and expertise in developing and implementing historic tour programs. Currently serving as the Interim Executive Director, Marion has also served on the Board of Directors and runs the day-to-day operations of Preservation Detroit. She is an Auto Heritage walking tour guide and is creator and narrator of the popular Bootlegging Tour on the Detroit River. A realtor with Real Living Cranbrook whose specialty is historic real estate, her favorite architectural style is Arts and Crafts.
Ruby Christiansen
Pet Relations and Goodwill Ambassador | Mackenzie House
Part Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, Ruby lopes around Mackenzie House greeting each visitor with a smile that only a dog can give. Ruby is the dogter of Marion Christiansen and is an only pooch. Commonly found cuddling at someone’s feet, she loves playing ball, fetching, sleeping, and eating cookies. Ruby also dances at the thought of going for a walk in Midtown, where she can admire some of Detroit’s beautiful architecture.
