Reflecting its continued commitment to Detroit and the community, Olympia Development of Michigan has appointed three new executives who, together, bring decades of expertise to the company and community.

In her new role as Olympia Development’s Vice President, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Detroit native and resident Rian English Barnhill will lead community outreach efforts.  Barnhill will work in collaboration with residents, businesses, community organizations and public leaders to advance the company’s commitment to delivering new jobs for Detroiters, expanding access to affordable housing, and rejuvenating the city and neighborhoods with distinctive construction and redevelopment of storied landmarks.

“I am looking forward to ensuring a close link between our development efforts and the people of Detroit,” Barnhill said. “This begins with strengthening our engagement and communication with stakeholders and culminates with developments that truly benefit our great city and its residents.”

Barnhill joins the Olympia Development team after having previously served in a variety of executive leadership positions, including roles with Detroit 90/90 and the Michigan Chronicle.

Zarah Karapetyan-Broglin, whose career spans tenures at Barton Marlow, Wayne State University, CBRE, and most recently, JLL, has been appointed Vice President of Construction.  In this capacity, Karapetyan-Broglin will manage the diverse selection of construction projects in Detroit, including the restoration of the storied Eddystone Hotel. “Detroit is a city with so much history and character,” Karapetyan-Broglin said. “I am looking forward to preserving those unique traits with steady, balanced and community-driven development that will build on the momentum we are seeing in the city.”

As a native Detroiter and principal with firms such as Pomeroy Living and PRS Equities, new Vice President of Development Stefan Stration brings more than two decades of local and national real estate development expertise across all asset classes and now leads the day-to-day efforts of the development team. “This is an exciting opportunity in an exciting city,” said Stration.  “I look forward to bringing new residential, business and retail opportunities to The District Detroit.” 

All three executives will report to Keith Bradford, Senior Vice President of Development and The District Detroit.” As we further our efforts to help move our city forward, soliciting new ideas and seeking input from people across Detroit is a priority,” said Bradford  “These talented new hires — all of whom bring diverse expertise and proven track records — will have an important and active presence and voice in the collaborative dialogues we will be having with the community.”