July 25, 2011
Press Release

THINK DETROIT PAL WELCOMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS
AL AVILA, MICHELE LEWIS WATTS, AND RON MAY ARE NEW MEMBERS OF THINK DETROIT PAL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Detroit, Mich. – On July 21 the Think Detroit PAL board of directors elected three new members.  “We are very pleased to announce the election of Michele Lewis Watts, Ron May, and Al Avila to the Think Detroit PAL Board of Directors,” said board chairman Mark Woods, “Their  talents will help Think Detroit PAL fulfill its mission of character and leadership development for girls and boys through participation in athletics,” he said.

Michele Lewis Watts is currently the director of programs and operations for the Michigan Women’s Foundation, where she oversees their youth development initiatives, among other duties. Lewis Watts’ prior experience includes being vice president of event management for The Parade Company and serving on the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee as vice president of events.  Ms. Lewis Watts commented, “Having volunteered as a volleyball coach for many years, I know how important this work is, and have seen first hand the difference involvement with Think Detroit PAL makes in the lives of young people. I am eager to work with the board and management team to help Think Detroit PAL continue to grow in reach and effectiveness.” 

Al Avila is vice president and assistant general manager of the Detroit Tigers. Avila is in his 10th season with the organization after being named to his current post on April 15, 2002. Avila has worked in professional baseball since 1992.  Prior to working for the Tigers, Avila held several positions with the Florida Marlins, including serving as the team’s vice president and assistant general manager.

“Think Detroit PAL’s work goes far beyond youth recreation,” said Avila., “Their partnerships with various community based organizations, as well as their efforts to maintain playfields and recreational outlets, are helping assure the vitality of neighborhoods throughout the city.”

Ron May is DTE Energy’s senior vice president of major enterprise projects. Currently, May serves as the chairman of the Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science Advisory Council, as well as the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion. He also serves on the board of directors of the University of Michigan Engineering Advisory Council, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, and the United Way 2-1-1. “Think Detroit PAL’s 1,500 trained, certified mentors help more than 10,000 girls and boys annually, to develop into productive, responsible adults,” said May.  “These young people are the region’s future workforce and community leadership,” he continued, “ I look forward to helping build awareness of this important and effective work, to secure increased support from the business community and elsewhere.”

Think Detroit PAL was formed in 2006 with the merger of Think Detroit Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League.  In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic and leadership development programs. In 2010, Think Detroit PAL served over 10,000 girls and boys through 10 sports, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the state of Michigan. More than 80 cents of each dollar donated to Think Detroit PAL goes directly into programming

For more information, please visit http://www.thinkdetroitpal.org or call 313-833-1600.