Newest appointees to the governing body of Michigan’s only community-licensed public television station provide diversity, experience, and leadership to navigate a rapidly changing media landscape and better serve the community

Detroit PBS announced the recent appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Colleen Allen, Pamela McClain, Dan Miner, and Eldridge Ryans join the ranks of Detroit PBS trustees to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic counsel.

“We are truly fortunate to have such gifted individuals join the board at Detroit PBS,” said Rich Homberg, president and CEO of Detroit PBS. “Their active involvement with the community and long histories of leadership will be invaluable as the board steers the organization through an ever-changing media landscape and fluctuating economy. I am looking forward to working with this impressive group to drive greater growth and innovation and to ensure Detroit PBS continues to make a positive impact in our communities.”

Dr. Colleen Allen:
Dr. Colleen Allen is the president and CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan, where for the past eight years she has engaged in advocacy, programming, and training for families and service providers to improve access to critical services and support, as well as employment opportunities for adults with autism and related disabilities.

She is the founder and former director of Henry Ford Health System’s (HFHS) Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and sits on several professional and nonprofit boards, such as InCompass Michigan, the Mary Rackham Institute of the University of Michigan, the Roeper School and the advisory board of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, her Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology from Boston University, and her doctorate from Wayne State University.

Pamela McClain:
Retired Executive Commander Pamela McClain is a lifelong resident of Detroit and an active participant in the community. She is currently the Executive Liaison for Community Engagement with the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office.

Her commitment to service led the way to her becoming the first African American female commander in the history of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office in 2002.

Some of her many professional and community affiliations include being a member of the Education and Municipality Committee for the United Way of Southeast Michigan and commissioner with the Detroit Crime Commission, among others.

McClain graduated from the University of Michigan and earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law.

Dan Miner:
As director of Communications for DTE Energy, Dan Miner is well-positioned to lead and provide strategic insight to Detroit PBS’s board of trustees. In his 21 years with DTE, Miner has served in roles of increasing responsibility in strategy, executive learning and development, investor relations, internal consulting, finance, project management, crisis communications, and regulatory affairs. Prior to his tenure with DTE, Miner designed industrial equipment for automotive and steel manufacturing plants. He also led teams to improve manufacturing processes.

Miner earned both his Bachelor of Science & Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Michigan. He works in Detroit and resides in Ypsilanti Township.

Eldridge Ryans:
Eldridge Ryans brings an enthusiasm for education and technology to Detroit PBS’s board of trustees. He is currently the Client Service Executive for Vectorform in Troy.

Ryans specializes in information technology solutions and possesses deep experience across industries vital to the Detroit economy including mobility, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. He has brokered relationships between cutting-edge technology firms and some of the world’s largest enterprises.

Ryans is a firm believer in the power of education and has spent years guiding youth in their discovery of educational and career pathways through tutoring and mentorship. He is an alumnus of the University of Detroit and the fourth generation of his family to call Metro Detroit home.