Our Team

Custodian and Maintenance Technician

Andy joined the Fair Lane team in 2022 and immediately became a favorite of both the house and garden staff, not only because of his jovial, positive attitude but also his strong work ethic. Andy ensures that all the nooks and crannies of the house, garage/powerhouse, garden buildings, and grounds meet Fair Lane’s high standards for cleanliness and presentability for our guests and visitors.

Director of Historic Resources

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.

President and CEO

Bob was named President and CEO of Fair Lane in 2018 after serving as Interim President of the Historic Ford Estates. Bob served as Executive Director of the Detroit Historical Society for nearly 17 years and was responsible for the operations of the Detroit Historical Museum in Midtown, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and the Collections Resource Center at Historic Fort Wayne. Honored to lead the dynamic team at Fair Lane, Bob cites one of Henry Ford’s famous quotes: “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

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,

Administration, and Site Management

Cody handles all of the finance, human resources, and IT administration for the team, while overseeing the Estate’s Directors. 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.

Visitor Services Associate

Where is your favorite spot on the grounds?

My favorite spot at Fair Lane is the bench that overlooks the blue garden and the river- it’s such a gorgeous view, no matter the season.

Development and Marketing Manager

Giles joined the Fair Lane team as Development Manager in January 2023. She is responsible for the Fair Lane website and social media presence as well as overseeing the membership and photography permit programs. Giles is also responsible for developing and creating special programs, projects, and activities as the restoration project continues. As a classically trained singer, when she’s not at Fair Lane, you may see Giles performing with local choral and opera organizations in Southeast Michigan.

Decorative Arts Project Manager

Thanks to generous grants from the Americana Foundation, Hannah joined Fair Lane’s team in 2021 as a Conservation Technician who worked on preserving and restoring historic architectural elements in the Estate. As of October 2022, Hannah is the Decorative Arts Project Manager at Fair Lane. She is responsible for identifying and procuring decorative arts objects that will put the “finishing touches” on the restoration of Fair Lane’s 56 rooms. These objects include custom reproduction furnishings, wall coverings and papers, and high-end antique items that will illuminate the intimate lives of Henry and Clara Ford at Fair Lane. This role requires extensive and exciting research into primary source documentation and historic photographs dating back to Fair Lane’s construction and early beginnings, in addition to working with talented artisans to bring these objects to life.

Visitor Services Coordinator

Heather joined the Fair Lane team in February 2024 as the Visitor Services Coordinator. With over 25 years of experience in museums, historic homes, and higher education, she is excited to utilize her experience to create a welcoming and informative environment for all visitors. Heather has worked at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, the Monroe County (MI) Museum System, and the Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History. She currently serves on the board of the Canton (MI) Historical Society.

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 joined the Fair Lane team in May 2024. They recently graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Environmental Biology. Diving into her role with energy and eagerness to learn, Maiyah is passionate about preserving Fair Lane’s natural beauty and they are excited to bring fresh ideas to the table.

Conservation Technician

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.

Conservation Technician

Nick began working at Fair Lane in February 2023. As a technician he helps realize the conservation department’s ongoing plans of restorative intervention. He studied Art History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and has experience as an artist and performer. A member of PuppetART: The Detroit Puppet Theater since 2002, he is the company’s principal puppeteer, assistant director and museum associate. Nick is also co-founder and projectionist for Back Alley Cinema, a 16mm film theater which is a partner of the Motor City Cinema Society.

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 Coordinator

Rachel joined the Fair Lane team in the spring of 2023. As a horticulturist and garden volunteer coordinator, 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, teaching and performing 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.

Visitor Services Associate

Where is your favorite spot on the grounds?

My favorite spots at Fair Lane are the library and the sun porch (also all of it).

Head of Conservation and Collections

Tamsen, who joined the Fair Lane team in 2016, oversees the conservation and restoration of original decorative arts and architectural elements within this National Historic Landmark. She also supervises the research and creation of reproduction objects, the management and care of the material collection, and the work of contracted artisans and craftspeople working on this unique restoration project.

Preservation Craftsman

As owner-operator of Old School Contractors, Tom has spent many years honing his skills in the preservation and restoration field. Tom’s skillset will be a great asset as he manages contractors and artisans on-site and develops and implements projects at Fair Lane.

The VSAs (Visitor Services Associates) are our teams friendly ambassadors for visitors here at Fair Lane. They walk around the estate daily to answer visitor questions and they provide visitors with more information and history about the estate, the history of the Ford family here at Fair Lane, and the restoration work currently taking place.