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Michael Rafferty joined New Detroit in May 2019, succeeding Shirley Stancato, who retired at the end of that year after leading the nonprofit for 18 years.

Previously, Rafferty spent three years at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) where he led the DEGC's small business practice and grew the team to 25 people. The new small business and entrepreneurship economic development programs launched during his tenure supported the opening of more than 50 small businesses in Detroit and created a pipeline for another 150 businesses openings.

Prior to his role at the DEGC, Rafferty led the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s Metro Detroit office, focusing on policy and overall technical support for nonprofits in nine counties. He also worked in economic development in Wayne County from 2011-13, and in economic development in Brooklyn for more than three years.

Earlier in his career, he served as a program officer for Local Initiatives Support Corp. in Detroit and a policy analyst for former Detroit City Council member Sheila Cockrel.

Rafferty served on Henry Ford Health’s Community Health Leadership Council and its Quality and Safety Committee.