SDBA Executive Director Search: A Community-Centered Leadership Transition
The Southwest Detroit Business Association (“SDBA”) is searching for a visionary, community-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter for our organization and community.
Guided by our commitment to transparency, inclusion, and community leadership, this process reflects the voices of Southwest Detroit and the shared values that define our mission.
Why This Transition Matters
The SDBA Board of Directors is focused on the future, ensuring the organization continues to grow, evolve and meet the needs of Southwest Detroit’s dynamic small business community. This leadership transition represents an important opportunity to build on SDBA’s strong foundation while positioning the organization for continued impact, innovation and collaboration.
Over the past several months, the SDBA Board of Directors have strengthened our governance, engaged our members, and designed a search process that reflects our shared vision for the future.
Who's Leading the Search
To guide this important effort, the SDBA Board formed the Executive Search Steering Committee (ESSC), a cross-functional team of SDBA board members and staff who meet weekly to manage vendor engagement, budgeting, communications, and oversee the integrity of the process. They include:
- Sylvia Gucken, Director
- Mahja Zeon, Director
- Luis Ali, Director
- Irwin Danto, Director
- Linda Conroy, HR/Facilities Manager
- Brandi Watts, Vice President Program and Compliance
Community Engagement in Action
The ESSC partnered with Clear Space, a nationally respected executive search and consulting firm, to help shape a leadership profile with attributes that will guide the recruitment and selection process.
A special Profile Team—made up of SDBA members, staff, funders, and partners—worked with Clear Space to define the ideal attributes for SDBA’s next Executive Director.
These attributes include:
- Action Oriented
- Communicates Effectively
- Builds Effective Teams
- Instills Trust
- Demonstrates Self-Awareness
- Manages Complexity
- Balances Stakeholders
- Builds Networks
- Business Insight
- Decision Quality
- Interpersonal Savvy
- Manages Conflict
What’s Next
To ensure continued community involvement, the ESSC has formed a Selection Subcommittee that will include stakeholders and members to participate in interviews and final selection.
We invite you to stay engaged and informed throughout this process. Updates will be posted here regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is overseeing the search process?
The Executive Search Steering Committee (ESSC), a cross-functional team of board members and staff, is leading the process on behalf of the Board.
Q2: How is SDBA’s membership involved in the search?
We formed a Profile Team made up of SDBA members, staff, funders, and partners to help define the ideal leadership profile. A Selection Subcommittee will also include membership voices in the interview process.
Q3: Who is helping with recruitment?
SDBA has partnered with The Hunter Group, a recruitment firm selected for its experience with nonprofits, cultural fit, and commitment to inclusion.
Q4: When will the new Executive Director be hired?
The search officially begins on October 29, 2025. We anticipate the process will take several months, with updates shared regularly.
Q5: Will programming and operations be affected during the transition?
No. SDBA’s programs and services continue uninterrupted under the leadership of Brandi Watts Vice President Program and Compliance and our dedicated staff.
Q6: How to apply?
All interested candidates should apply by sending their cover letter and resume to The Hunter Group, Blaire Miller, Managing Partner at blaire.miller@huntergroup.com.
Q7: How can I stay informed or get involved?
Visit this page for updates, follow us on LinkedIn, or reach out directly to the SDBA Board via SDBABoard@southwestdetroit.com.
Contact Us
Southwest Detroit is a place that is much more than points on a compass. It’s a true community with people, programs, business success and plans for the future. At its heart is the Southwest Detroit Business Association – committed to creating a place residents can proudly call home, visitors can enjoyably spend time, and business leaders can confidently set up shop.