EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology will host a TechTalk featuring EMU alumni Brian Turnbull, mayor of the City of Northville, and Doug Wallace, executive director of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The event will be held in 124 Sill Hall and via Zoom.

TechTalk attendees will gain firsthand insights from Turnbull and Wallace on how the city of Northville and Northville Township are driving transformative redevelopment and infrastructure improvements through Public-Private Partnerships. They will discuss the scope and impact of these projects, valued at over $2.5 billion, offering a unique look into the strategic collaborations between public entities and private industry that are shaping the future of the region.

"We are thrilled to welcome back two of our distinguished alumni, Brian Turnbull and Doug Wallace to Eastern Michigan University for this special TechTalk on Public-Private Partnerships, “ said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “Their expertise and experience will provide invaluable insights for our students and faculty, showcasing the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving innovation and growth."  

Since launching EMU TechTalk, students and faculty have heard from industry leaders, including Zach Wigal, founder of Gamers Outreach, John Bodary, president and owner of Woods Construction and Interiors, and Mark Stainslav, vice president of security engineering and governance, risk and compliance from Full Story, to name a few.

The event is open to EMU students, faculty, staff, and community members. Following his presentation, attendees can interact with Turnbull and Wallace during a Q&A session. This event is also LBC credit-approved. 

To register for this TechTalk, visit the registration page or website for more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology's TechTalk series.

About Brian Turnbull
Brian Turnbull is a ‘79 graduate of Northville High School and a life-long Northville resident, part of a five-generation family in the area. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Eastern Michigan University and graduated from a Management Development Program at Northwestern University. He spent 20 years of his career at Ford Motor Company in Product Development, Financial Services, and Marketing. He has held executive leadership positions at Phoenix Group, NiTS Solution, and Urban Science, and was the CEO and owner of iCMS Solutions. He is a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board. Brian is a local historian and featured lecturer, as well as a dedicated community volunteer. He and his wife, Ann (Dayton) Turnbull, have two children, Katelyn and Jasen. He has two grandchildren, Eliza Lyn and Evie, daughters of Katelyn and her husband, Clayton.

About Doug Wallace
Doug Wallace is the Executive Director of The Northville Community Chamber of Commerce, bringing over 10 years of experience in the industry. Before his work with the Chamber, he owned and operated Michigan's largest off-premise catering company. An EMU alumnus, Wallace graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and currently serves on the EMU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.