Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

DETROIT – Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans announced the launch of the Millennial Advisory Board to provide advice and programming that will enhance the quality of life for young entrepreneurs and residents across Wayne County's 43 communities. The inaugural meeting was held November 21.

The 10-member appointed board is made up of a group of diverse individuals aged 20-41 to provide recommendations, insight, suggestions, and feedback to the County Executive that will impact the growth and quality of life issues while driving the engagement of millennial populations in Wayne County.

Appointed by the County Executive, Javion Johnson will serve as the Executive Director of the Millennial Advisory Board and wants to use this opportunity for younger audiences to help shape Wayne County.

"I would like to thank the Wayne County Executive, Deputy County Executive Assad I. Turfe and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Grady Muhammad, for this opportunity to bring young leaders to the table to share educated recommendations and have a positive impact on communities in which they live, work and explore," said Executive Director Javion Johnson. "As a millennial, I have seen and heard my peers express their concerns with being overlooked. As we begin to create names for ourselves, build careers and families here in Wayne County, we must also amplify our voices so that the changes we want to see are recognized and respected by the leaders of today. This board will help bridge the generational gap between leaders and improve the County that we call home."

"Millennials are our future and it is our job to ensure their voices are heard. We must create an atmosphere for shared dialogue and forward movement," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "Javion has gathered a strong group of diverse and passionate leaders to take on the task of enhancing professional and personal opportunities for their peers in Wayne County. Congratulations to those who were appointed to the board."

All members of the board live or work in Wayne County and have a history of service in the county. Officers include Chair Ragine Head, Vice Chair Kevin Dunn, Secretary Saif Alsenad and Director of Programming Inglish Reed-Jones. Voting members are Ola Albayati, Kerrel Spivey, Vanessa Valezquez, Byron Brooks and Collin Roach. Libby Busdicker from the Office of Wayne County's Corporation Counsel assisted with the creation of the group's bylaws and serves as their legal consultant.