Our Team

Senior Director of Historic Resources

and Interpretation

In 2016, Austin first came to Fair Lane as an artisan subcontractor working to restore the original decorative finishes of the first floor. After three years spent physically restoring the Estate, he joined the Fair Lane team in earnest. As of 2023, Austin is the Director of Historic Resources at Fair Lane. He oversees all that pertains to and involves the Estate’s historic preservation and architectural restoration while collaborating with Fair Lane’s incredible conservation team. Driven by a desire to preserve humanity’s architectural wonders along with the artisanal trades that built them, he is beyond excited to help guide Fair Lane into a bright future.

Director of Marketing and Philanthropy

Bree joined Fair Lane in 2026 as Director of Marketing & Philanthropy. She leads the estate’s marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts, inviting the public to connect with Fair Lane’s rich history and its evolving future. With a background in nonprofit marketing, public relations, and storytelling, Bree is passionate about building meaningful connections between mission, community, and impact. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Conservator

Caroline joined the Fair Lane team as a Conservation Technician in 2017. Using skillsets from her past professions as a navy machinist, graphic designer, and artist, Caroline found her niche restoring and repairing original lighting, hardware, and architectural elements at Fair Lane. Caroline has continued to take on new challenges, and recently her role has grown to that of Conservator. Caroline leads the team responsible for removing, conserving, restoring, and installing original hardware and light fixtures at Fair Lane. In addition, her team takes care of the surfaces, furnishings, and decorative objects in the Estate, keeping everything clean and looking fantastic.

Senior Director of Finance

and Administration

Cody handles all the finance, human resources, IT, legal, and insurance administration for the team. He provides ancillary support to each Fair Lane team member and is an integral part of several large Estate efforts. Before joining the team in 2022, he worked in various administrative capacities for small non-profits, a private college, a personal injury law firm, and, most recently, with a public school district. His spouse, corgi, and many ambitions keep him busy outside of the office.

Corporate Relations Manager

Cynthia joined The Henry Ford Estate in July 2021. Her experience as the Development Manager at Ford House and Director of Operations at Fair Lane contributes to her current role as Corporate Relationship Manager. Her passion for the legacy and heritage of Fair Lane inspires her to develop strategic partnerships and establish strong connections with Ford Motor Company and other members of the corporate community. Cynthia's leadership extends to various educational nonprofits, where she enthusiastically collaborates with her community to support students and their families.

President and CEO

Devon joined Fair Lane in June 2025 to assume the role of President and CEO. He previously spent over 10 years at the Detroit Regional Chamber, most recently as Senior Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development. At the Chamber, he led the growth of several key initiatives focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, including the acclaimed Leadership Detroit program and the Detroit Policy Conference. He’s a native of Dearborn, Michigan, having attended Henry Ford Academy and the University of Michigan Dearborn. Devon has a passion for exploring cities and keeps a running list of the places he visits in and around Detroit. You might even catch him talking about some of his favorites on the weekly podcast he hosts for Daily Detroit!

Senior Manager of Philanthropy

Giles joined the Fair Lane team in January 2023 and now serves as Senior Manager of Philanthropy, leading fundraising programs, donor engagement, grants, membership, and signature events that support Fair Lane's ongoing care and future. As a classically trained singer, Giles is passionate about bringing creativity and community to her work. Outside of Fair Lane, she performs with local choral and opera organizations across Southeast Michigan. A longtime Detroit resident, Giles is actively engaged in the Corktown community and values building strong connections between cultural institutions and the neighborhoods they serve.

Fair Lane's Guest Services Associates ensure your safety and security during your visit to the Estate. GSAs are also great sources of information about Fair Lane and its impressive gardens and grounds. They wear light blue shirts or dark blue coats with our logo.  

Director of Interpretation and Education

Thanks to generous grants from the Americana Foundation, Hannah joined Fair Lane’s team in 2021 as a Conservation Technician and then spent three years identifying and procuring decorative arts objects, including reproduction furniture, wallcoverings, and antiques, to put the "finishing touches" on Fair Lane's restoration. As of 2026, Hannah is the Director of Interpretation and Education at Fair Lane. She oversees the interpretation of Fair Lane's extensive property to tell the stories of Clara and Henry's incredible lives, using primary source documentation, historic photographs dating back to Fair Lane's early beginnings, fascinating oral histories, and ongoing collaboration with the team. Outside of work, Hannah serves on the Ypsilanti Historic District Commission, spends time restoring her own home, and is kept busy by her two corgis.

Guest Services and Tour Coordinator

As the Guest Services and Tour Coordinator at Fair Lane, Heather works with the Guest Services Associates to ensure a safe, welcoming, and informative environment for all visitors. With over 25 years of experience in museums, historic homes, and higher education, Heather has been lucky to work in many different museum fields, including administration, education, guest services, and programming. As an undergraduate, she worked as a docent at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, which inspired her to earn an MA in Museum Studies. Outside of work, Heather enjoys exploring the natural world, reading, and spending time with family. She currently serves on the board of the Canton (MI) Historical Society. Heather is a certified Michigan Naturalist Interpreter.

Facilities and Custodial Technician

John operates and maintains Fair Lane’s boilers, refrigeration, and HVAC systems, keeps estate areas clean, and manages supply inventory. He is a graduate of Henry Ford College’s Building Engineering program and Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Before joining Fair Lane, John worked behind the scenes in the film and entertainment industry as a grip, sound technician, boom operator, and production assistant, including a summer internship at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and attending sports events.

Senior Director of Gardens and Grounds

Karen directs a broad scope of initiatives such as site planning and landscape restoration projects; oversees service contracts with lawn care, irrigation, and tree specialists; organizes garden-related educational programs; and guides staff, interns, and volunteers as a steward of Fair Lane’s unique historic landscape. Improving public access to nature and all types of gardens is something Karen values at Fair Lane and in her local community, as demonstrated by her involvement in the Garden Club of Dearborn and MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program.

Collections Manager & Archivist

Katey joined Fair Lane in September 2023 as the Collections Manager & Archivist and brought her 7 years of expertise in museums and archives into our team. Tasked with overseeing the documentation and cataloging of both the physical artifacts and archival materials of Fair Lane's extensive collection, Katey's role is essential in preserving the historical legacy of our organization. Her impactful contributions include leading the implementation of a state-of-the-art collections management system and assisting with a multimillion-dollar core exhibit renovation at the Zekelman Holocaust Center, as well as creating research libraries at both the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site and the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum.

Natural Areas Specialist and Groundskeeper

Maiyah, who joined the Fair Lane team in April 2024, recently graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Environmental Biology. They bring with them a background in private landscaping and conservation. Maiyah is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the estate's natural areas, managing invasive species removal, tracking ecological changes, and assisting with various garden tasks. Maiyah is passionate about preserving the Estate's diverse ecosystems. Maiyah is a certified Michigan Naturalist Interpreter.

Associate Conservator

Mo joined the Fair Lane team as a Conservation Technician in 2023. As part of the conservation team, they help with the upkeep and continued restoration of historic hardware and fixtures. Their background in arts, like quilting and chainmail, has helped set them up for polishing the fine details.

Manager of Gardens & Grounds

Nick is responsible for directing seasonal workers and volunteers in taking care of the gardens and grounds of the estate. He designs, installs, and manages the Cutting Garden, Tribute Garden, Trail Garden, and Vegetable Garden. Additionally, he uses our greenhouse to overwinter plants and grow seeds for use in the gardens and plant sales. Nick has a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies and this allows him to bring a unique historical approach to working in the gardens at Fair Lane as well as valuable experience interacting with visitors.

Horticulturist and Garden Volunteer Manager

Rachel joined the Fair Lane team in 2023. As a horticulturist and garden volunteer manager, Rachel works in the gardens, leading groups of volunteers to maintain the historic grounds. Outside of the gardens, Rachel is a musician and music educator who teaches and performs in the metro Detroit area.

Director of Facilities and Operations

Ryan joins us with over 10 years of facility, building operations, visitor services, and management experience. Ryan manages the facilities team, event operations, and building security. I am an avid golfer, love watching my girls play soccer and softball, and spending time with my family.

Head of Conservation and Collections

Tamsen joined the Fair Lane team in 2016 and brings an appreciation for historic craftsmanship to her work. She oversees the conservation, preservation, and restoration of Fair Lane’s original decorative arts and architectural elements, helping preserve the character of this National Historic Landmark. Tamsen also guides the research and recreation of decorative arts objects, working closely with a variety of skilled artisans and craftspeople whose expertise is essential to this unique restoration project.

Preservation Craftsman

Tom brings extensive experience in preservation and restoration from the private sector. After working with Fair Lane as a contractor, he officially joined the team full-time in January 2024. Tom plays a key role in advancing the Estate’s restoration effort, helping define project scope and overseeing contractors on site. He is frequently hands-on, leading in-house restoration projects and supporting the ongoing preservation of the historic Estate. Tom is also the creator and host of our popular social media series, “Tuesdays with Tom.” We can’t wait to see what aspects of Fair Lane he brings to the public next.