Meet Terry
For nearly two decades in Detroit's non-profit community, I've dedicated my career to answering one question:
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What would it take to cultivate the conditions necessary for every Detroit child to thrive?
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Detroit raised me. Nearly twenty years of serving Detroit's children, families, educators, and community organizations have prepared me to serve our city in a new way, as a member of the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education.
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My roots in Detroit Public Schools run deep. While I attended Detroit-based Catholic schools, St. Gerard and University of Detroit Jesuit, Detroit Public Schools have always been part of my family's story. My parents, wife, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends are proud graduates of the District.  Their experiences, along with my own lifelong commitment to Detroit's children and families, have shaped my belief in the power and promise of public education.
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I'm a proud husband to my wife, Shea (Cody High School Graduate), a REALTOR® and television personality, and an even prouder father to our son, Beau James. Together with our two dogs, Sofia and Bernice, we are grateful to call Detroit home and are committed to investing in the future of the city we love.
Meet The Mission
After decades of serving our students as a youth development professional and community leader, I am stepping forward to ensure that every child in our city has the support they need to succeed. My personal roots and professional journey have taught me that we only thrive when we work together to strengthen our schools from the ground up. I am committed to this mission because our neighborhoods deserve excellence and our children deserve a future filled with hope.
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Together, we can build a stronger Detroit for Every Child, Every School, and Every Neighborhood.
A Record of Service
Leadership Principles
My lifelong commitment to Detroit's children, youth and families.
My experience has prepared me to serve. My values will guide how I lead.
Strenthening Schools
Students First
Partnered with educators, school districts, and community organizations to improve learning opportunities for Detroit students.
Every decision begins with what is best for students.
Cultivating Community Partnerships
Partnership
Built trusted relationships across philanthropy, government, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to solve complex challenges together.
Progress happens together.
Developing Leaders
Accountability
Coached executives, facilitated leadership retreats, and strengthened organizations serving children and families.
Public trust requires measurable results.
Driving Strategic Investment
Continuous Improvement
Helped steward millions of dollars into initiatives that expanded opportunities for Detroit youth.
Great organizations never stop learning.
Elevating Community Voice
Opportunity for Every Child
Organized families, supported youth leadership, and helped cultivate policies that reflect community priorities.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Investing in Detroit
Dedicated nearly twenty years to strengthening the people, organizations, and systems that help Detroit children thrive.