Oakland County
Paul Zelenak Earns Statewide Award for Career in Downtown Management and Economic Development
Paul Zelenak earns a Statewide Award for Profession in Downtown Administration and Financial Growth
(MDA, November 21, 2025)
South Lyon, MI – The Michigan Downtown Affiliation (MDA) has acknowledged Paul Zelenak for his excellent profession achievements in downtown administration and financial improvement. The glory was offered throughout the MDA’s annual convention, held earlier this month in downtown Rochester, Michigan.
Zelenak’s distinguished profession in municipal authorities started in 1987 and marked practically 4 many years of service to Michigan’s downtowns and communities. His first involvement in downtown improvement got here by serving on a committee for the Metropolis of Rochester, which led to a lifelong dedication to supporting vibrant, thriving downtowns.
Over time, Zelenak has held management positions at seven municipalities as director and/or metropolis supervisor of the Downtown Growth Authority (DDA). A passionate advocate for the Principal Road Strategy, he launched and applied this nationally acknowledged mannequin for downtown revitalization in a minimum of three communities, highlighting its energy to information native efforts in enhancing city neighborhoods. He’s at present town supervisor of South Lyon.
Different communities he has labored for embody Lake Orion, Backyard Metropolis, Bloomfield Hills and Ortonville.
“Working for Paul has been one of the crucial formative experiences of my profession,” stated Nate Mack, MDA board member and director of the Berkley Downtown Growth Authority. “He was a robust supporter of DDAs and understood how vital they’re to the success of a group. Much more, he believed in individuals – he believed in me – and gave me the area to develop into the skilled I’m at present. I’ll all the time be pleased about his mentorship and assist.”
Mack added, “Paul was the form of metropolis supervisor each downtown hopes to have, somebody who really understood the function and influence of a DDA. All through his lengthy and distinguished profession in public service, he constantly championed the significance of DDAs and their contribution to native financial vitality. His management left an enduring mark on each group he served – and on these of us who had been lucky sufficient to work with him.”
Along with his skilled achievements, Zelenak’s character and group spirit have made him a beloved determine within the cities the place he has served. One among his lighter duties was donning an Elmo costume and marching in native parades in Lake Orion, Backyard Metropolis and Linden for greater than a decade – a convention that delighted kids and households 12 months after 12 months.
Zelenak additionally served on the MDA Board of Administrators and has remained actively concerned with the group, talking at state conferences and persevering with to advocate for city facilities and native improvement.
As he heads into retirement, Zelenak is pursuing a private dream: changing a historic 1898 church he bought into his future dwelling. “No, it is not what you assume,” he jokes, referring to his newfound ‘church’. Along with restoration, he additionally maintains his winery, persevering with his ardour for nurturing development in all its types.
Based in 1980, the Michigan Downtown Affiliation is a statewide nonprofit group devoted to strengthening the downtown by training, advocacy and promotion. Its members are passionate concerning the continued improvement and vitality of Michigan’s downtowns and communities.
As soon as once more this 12 months, the placemaking initiatives in Downtown Auburn Hills and Downtown Highland acquired awards.
For extra details about the Michigan Downtown Affiliation, go to www.MichiganDowntowns.com
