OUR TEAM
Christina Pattyn
Founder and Executive Director
Christina Pattyn is an entrepreneur and marketing executive with experience creating branding and visual communication strategies for Fortune 500 clients. Christina’s entrepreneurial background includes creating and managing successful design agencies and entertainment venues.
As Executive Director, Christina guides the vision, planning, and programming of Griot Initiative, ensuring we deliver on our goals for each and every stakeholder.
Doug Ross
Advisor
Ross is a long-time education and economics policymaker. He has held positions in politics as Assistant Secretary of Labor in President Clinton’s Administration, Senior Advisor for Michigan Prosperity to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan State Senator; and Michigan Director of Commerce. Ross was founder and CEO of New Urban Learning, widely considered Detroit’s most successful charter school systems, founder and CEO of University Preparatory Academy, founder and CEO of American Promise Schools, and Chief Innovation Officer for Detroit Public Schools. Ross earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan, pursued graduate studies in economics at the University of Michigan and the London School of Economics, and received his Master’s Degree from Princeton University.
Dennis W. Archer, Jr., Esq.
Advisor
Dennis W. Archer Jr., Esq. is a community and civic leader, entrepreneur, and businessman. Archer is the Chairman and CEO of Sixteen42 Ventures, a parent company to his diversified operating subsidiaries.
Civic and philanthropic involvement is a passion of Archer’s. His vast contributions include past Chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors; Founder and Chairman of Paradise Valley Foundation; and he sits on the boards of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Dennis W. Archer Foundation, Citizen Detroit, and the Wayne County Youth and Senior Education Board.
Archer received both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. A fervid advocate and supporter of Griot, he lends a wealth of expertise in publishing, marketing, and public relations.
Visit again as we’re getting a photo of Doc’s smiling face.
Rod Atkins, Ph.D., MBA
Advisor
Dr. Atkins is Deputy Superintendent for Voyageur School District, non-profit charter schools in Detroit. Atkins brings over 15 years of experience in education operations and management.
Dr. Atkins earned his Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, MBA from University of Detroit and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
OUR FIDUCIARY
We thank our fiduciary, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (a 501 (c) 3 non-profit), for their invaluable support and belief in our mission.
