BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Belle Isle Conservancy is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, governed by a 23-member board of directors, with ex-officio seats for representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the City of Detroit, and the Belle Isle Conservancy's Emerging Patrons Council. 

Belle Isle Conservancy board member Nancy Vella has been named as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.  Nancy joined the Conservancy’s board in 2015 and has served as the Vice Chairperson since 2018. 
 
Nancy retired in 2019 after a 40-year career with Deloitte Tax LLP.  As a CPA and CFP, Nancy lead the Detroit Office Private Wealth Group.  During her time with Deloitte, Nancy served many years as the National Tax Well-being Leader, the North Central Tax Talent Leader, the Central Region Diversity and Inclusion Leader, and the MSU Lead University Partner for Deloitte’s Strategic University Program. 

Nancy is a proud MSU Spartan, a graduate of the Eli Broad College of Business. She served six years on the Michigan State University Eli Broad Alumni Board of Directors and as its President from 2017-2018. Nancy was named the College of Business Outstanding Alumna of the year in 2018.

Belle Isle Conservancy Names Nancy Vella as Chair of Board of Directors, Welcomes New Board Members

Among her community roles, Nancy served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the historic Detroit Athletic Club. As a member of its Board, she also chaired the Detroit Athletic Club Outreach Committee. Nancy has served as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan.  Nancy also served on the Corporate Executive Committee of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon.  Additionally, she engaged as a mentor while working with the Deloitte Cornerstone Career Pathways Program, which prepared students in urban communities for fulfilling college experiences and successful careers across a variety of highly-skilled professions and industries.

The Conservancy also welcomes four new members to the Board of Directors:

Dr. Shauna Diggs | Cosmedic Dermatology
Diane Dossin | Retired Chief Tax Officer, Ford Motor Company
Maud Lyon | Econsult Solutions Inc.
Nico Schulz | The Soave Real Estate Group

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