From an M-1 Light Rail press release:

As utility relocation work continues and the Streetcar Project moves closer to the start of track construction, M-1 RAIL has increased its staff capacity with two new hires. M-1 RAIL President and CEO Matthew P. Cullen today announced the hiring of Timothy Fischer as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Nicole Brown as Community Relations Manager.

 “We are pleased to welcome Tim and Nicole to the M-1 RAIL team,” said Cullen.  “Each possess a special set of skills that will boost the organization’s expertise in public policy and community outreach while expanding the team’s bandwidth as we continue to advance this important Detroit transportation initiative.”

Both Brown and Fischer have already begun their duties with the organization, bringing the M-1 RAIL staff member total to eight not including Cullen in his voluntary roles as President and CEO.  The eight team members work from the M-1 RAIL office located at 1426 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit.

As CAO, Fischer’s responsibilities are to interface and coordinate with the multiple transit agencies on policy issues; assist in strategy development for fundraising and financial activities; and support donor relations.

Fischer joins the M-1 RAIL team from the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC), a statewide environmental and public health organization, where he served as Deputy Policy Director since 2007. A Michigan native, he served as the chair of the Transportation for Michigan Management Team where he led efforts to pass Michigan’s Complete Streets law, establish a Regional Transit Authority and secure public transportation funding.  Fischer is also an advisor to the executive board of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers. In addition, he is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

Brown, a native Detroiter, is responsible for managing the project’s resident, business and visitor engagement efforts. She brings to the M-1 RAIL team extensive experience as a community engagement and marketing communications professional with expertise in the areas of community and economic development.

Most recently, Brown was the Communications and Partnerships Manager for the educational non-profit organization, Excellent Schools Detroit (ESD). Prior to joining ESD, Brown served as the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Midtown Detroit, Inc. /Living Cities Integration Initiative Detroit program, Woodward Corridor Initiative.  She began her career in community engagement with regional economic development non-profit, Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3).

The M-1 RAIL Streetcar, once operational in 2016, will travel 3.3-miles (6.6 miles round-trip) along Woodward Avenue between Downtown and the North End – making stops at 19 stations (three center running and 16 curbside), connecting riders to destinations such as cultural institutions, hospitals, universities, employment centers, stadiums and entertainment venues.