MDA Board Member Receives Award

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) is pleased to announce our 2021 Gene Kuthy Award winner, Robert (Bob) Donohue Jr. Bob serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA).

“Like the late Gene Kuthy, Bob founded an association because he saw a need for a network of resources and people to convene around a specific issue,” said Tony Lentych, CEDAM board member and director of the Traverse City Housing Commission. “Bob’s passion for downtown revitalization and his influence on his peers makes him more than deserving of this prestigious award.” 

The Gene Kuthy Award was created to honor the legacy of founding CEDAM board member Gene Kuthy, who helped to create a voice for fair housing, made banking more friendly, and lent credibility to our industry. Each year we recognize an exemplary board member serving at a community development organization in Michigan that embodies Gene’s positive and unique attributes: fun, larger than life, generous, an incredible networker, and a champion of a particular program.

“Bob’s 43-year career in economic development has mirrored Gene’s in many ways,” said Mark McDaniel, CEO of Cinnaire. “We are honored to sponsor this award and present it to someone whose enthusiasm, leadership, advocacy, and vision have impacted not only downtowns across the state, but others in the field who will carry on this work for years to come.” 

CEDAM and our award sponsor Cinnaire will recognize Bob September 15 at our annual Developing Vibrant Communities virtual conference. Bob will receive a hand-made award crafted by local Lansing artist Andrew D. Sandstedt and the Michigan Downtown Association will receive a monetary gift of $2,500.