The Wayne State University Office of Economic Development (OED) and TechTown Detroit have named social architect and urbanist Christianne Malone to the dual role of assistant vice president for economic development and chief program officer.

In her role, Malone will be responsible for the design, implementation, management and continuous improvement of entrepreneurship programs for both OED and TechTown. She will assist in advancing the overall economic development strategy for Wayne State University and establish relationships with funders, community partners and external stakeholders.

Malone enters this position already well-established in the metro Detroit entrepreneurial ecosystem. She assisted the Pontiac Community Foundation with strategic direction for their Center for Pontiac Entrepreneurship and most recently served as the director of community marketing and equity for Trailblaze Creative. Prior to that, Malone was the deputy director at Build Institute where she was responsible for operations, brand management, community relationship development and execution of special events and programs. She also worked at the Detroit Regional Chamber and Ponyride and has contributed knowledge and expertise to various collective impact initiatives and nonprofits throughout her career.

“Wayne State and TechTown gained a tremendous leader with the hire of Christianne Malone,” said Ned Staebler, vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and president and CEO of TechTown Detroit. “She’s not only an innovator in the economic development space, but she’s also a coalition builder, teacher, coach and catalyzer who will bring her wide range of knowledge to benefit our entire community.”

A native Detroiter, Malone received her bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from Xavier University. She is a founding board member of the Metro Museum of Design Detroit and serves on Detroit PAL’s Girls Changing the Game committee. She is also a member of The Links, Incorporated and a recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award. Outside of work, Malone is an active lacrosse professional, serving as a member of USA Lacrosse’s executive board of directors and as cofounder and president of Detroit United Lacrosse.

“I look forward to joining a long-standing partner in the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Malone said.  “TechTown’s facilitation of startup growth is immeasurable, and Wayne State is a model urban anchor institution. It’s particularly impactful to me to join a team of folks who care so deeply about business owners.”