Photo by Provisionshots LLC
Detroit, MI — Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) today announced three strategic hires as the organization sharpens its focus on district operations, public space management, and small business support across Midtown and New Center.
The new team members include Angie Gaabo,
who recently joined as Director of Operations; Jay Biernat, who will begin as Director of Streetscapes and Beautification in May; and Frances Bernardo, who will join as Small Business Manager also in May.
The hires come as MDI expands its role as a district-wide operator—responsible not only for planning and development, but for the day-to-day systems that shape how Midtown functions for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“As Midtown continues to grow, the focus is on ensuring that development, public space, and infrastructure are aligned and working together,” said Melanie Markowicz, Executive Director of Midtown Detroit, Inc. “These hires strengthen our ability to coordinate that work and guide the district’s growth in a more intentional, connected way.”
MDI manages a 3-square-mile district spanning nine neighborhoods and delivers a wide range of services,
including maintenance and cleaning of more than 40 miles of streets, park and public space stewardship, safety coordination, small business support, and community programming.
The organization is also advancing major place-based initiatives, including the reimagining of Detroit’s historic Chinatown district—focused on streetscape improvements, cultural programming, and economic activation.
At the same time, MDI is beginning to lay the groundwork for a more coordinated planning and investment strategy in the New Center area—bringing together public and private partners to align development, infrastructure, and neighborhood priorities as growth accelerates.
Key Hires
Angie Gaabo, Director of Operations
Gaabo brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience, most recently serving as Operations Director at Global Detroit and previously as Executive Director of Woodbridge Neighborhood Development. She will oversee internal operations, team management, and organizational systems as MDI continues to scale its impact.
Jay Biernat, Director of Streetscapes and Beautification
A longtime City of Detroit leader, Biernat has managed major public space and infrastructure initiatives, including a $50M+ streetscape portfolio. At MDI, he will lead public realm strategy, overseeing maintenance, capital improvements, and coordination with city agencies to ensure a clean, safe, and high-quality environment.
Frances Bernardo, Small Business Manager
Bernardo joins MDI from Design Core Detroit, where she led small business programs and supported entrepreneurs across the city’s creative economy. She will lead efforts to connect Midtown businesses to resources, manage grant programs, and support business retention and growth.
Positioning Midtown for What’s Next
The hires reflect a broader shift in MDI’s approach—toward deeper operational coordination and on-the-ground execution alongside long-term planning.
Today, MDI plays a central role in:
- Maintaining and activating public spaces, including parks, greenways, and streetscapes
- Delivering daily cleaning, landscaping, and beautification services
- Supporting small businesses through technical assistance, grants, and promotion
- Coordinating infrastructure improvements and development
- Producing events and programming that drive foot traffic and community engagement
“We’re focused on doing the fundamentals exceptionally well while building toward more coordinated, district-wide growth,” Markowicz said.
About Midtown Detroit, Inc.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that fosters community and economic development across Midtown and New Center. Working in partnership with anchor institutions, businesses, and residents, MDI delivers public space improvements, small business support, planning and development coordination, and community programming to create a vibrant, welcoming district.